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THE REPUBLIC 

OF GUATEMALA 




Gustavo Niederlein 

CHIBF OF THE SCIBNTIFIC DEPAE.TMBNT 

THE PHILADELPHIA 
COMMERCIAL MUSEUM. 



THE REPUBLIC 

OF GUATEMALA 



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GUSTAVO NIEDERLEIN 

CHIEF OF THE SCIENTIFIC DEPARTMENT OF THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUMS 



PHILADELPHIA 



THE PHILADELPHIA COMMERCIAL MUSEUM 



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THE 

PHILADELPHIA MUSEUMS, 

Established by Ordinance of City Councils, 1891, 

233 South Fourth Street. 



BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 

Ex-Officio. 

HON. DANIEL H. HASTINGS, 
Governor of Pennsylvania. 

HON. CHARLES P. WARWICK, 
Mayor of the City of Philadelphia. 

JAMES L. MILES, 
President of Select Council. 

WENCEL HARTMAN, 
President of Common CounciL 

SAMUEL B. HUEY, 
President of the Board of Public Education. 

DR. EDWARD BROOKS, 
Superintendent of Public Schools. 

NATHAN C. SCHAEFFER, 

State Superintendent of Public Schools. 

J. T. ROTHROCK, B.S., M.D., 

State Forestry Commissioner. 

Permanent Trustees. 

WILLIAM PEPPER, M.D., LL.D., THOMAS MEBHAN, 

CHARLES H. CRAMP, DANIEL BAUGH, 

THOMAS DOLAN, W. W. FODLKROD, 

GEORGE F. EDMUNDS, FRANK THOMSON, 

WILLIAM L. ELKINS, JOHN WANAMAKBR, 

MRS. CORNELIUS STEVENSON, Sc.D., P. A, B. WIDBNBR, 

SIMON GRATZ, SYDNEY L. WRIGHT. 



OFFICERS 

OF THE 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 

WM, PEPPER, M.D., LL.D., 
President. 

CHARLES H. CRAMP, 
Vice-President. 

SYDNEY L. WRIGHT, 
Treasurer, 

WILLIAM M. WATTS, 
Secretary. 



OFFICERS OF THE MUSEUM. 

WM. P. WILSON, Sc.D., 
Director. 

WILLIAM HARPER, 

Chief of the Bureau of Information. 

C. A, GREEN, 
.AnslBtant Chief of the Bureau of Information. 

WILFRED H. SCHOFF, 
Foreign Secretary of the Bureau of Information. 

GUSTAVB NIEDERLBIN, 
Chief of the Scientific Department. 

WM. B. MARSHALL, 
Curator of Natural Products. 

LOUIS J. MATOS, 
Chief of Laboratories. 



Introduction. 



I HIS monograph treats of the topography, geology, 
mineral wealth and soils of Guatemala; it describes its 
climate; it details its flora and fauna with reference to their 
economic value; it displays the distribution of Guatemalan 
population according to race, wealth, communities and social 
conditions; it examines the agricultural development of the 
Republic including its live stock and forests; and, finally, it 
recounts the most important features of its commerce, in- 
dustry, finance, and of its economic and political conditions. 
It is made up of observations and studies pursued in 1897 
and 1898, during seven and a half months of economic and 
scientific explorations in Central America, and of compilations 
gathered with care from authoritative manuscripts, books and 
official documents and publications. Respect has been shown 
to the work of men of originality in research and thought, 
and care has been taken to adhere closely to the original text 
when either quoting or translating. 



The Republic of Guatemala. 



I. 



TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, MINERAL WEALTH AND SOILS. 

Guatemala lies between 13° 42' and 17° 19' northern lati- 
tude and between 88° 10' and 92° 30' longitude, west of Green- 
wich. Its area is calculated to be 50,600 square miles, or about 
125,100 square kilometers. Its limits are bounded by Mexico, 
British Honduras, the Atlantic Ocean, State of Honduras, 
Salvador and the Pacific Ocean. The Atlantic coast is about 
185 kilometers long and the Pacific coast 260 kilometers. 

Guatemala has three great orographical zones, namely: 

1. A northern zone, which is relatively low, comprising 
the larger part of the Department of Peten. It consists of a 
series of elevations abundant in cones of denudation, attaining 
an altitude of 400 meters on the southeast of San Felipe, and 
of 500 on the south of Tenosigue. It is also interspersed 
with plains of small extent, so that it has a mountainous aspect, 
although there are no mountains of importance. 

2. A central zone, composed of mountain ranges, running 
generally from west to east, and divided into chains of cre- 
taceous and tertiary formations in the north, and chains of 
palaeozoic and archaic formations, which begin in the Depart- 



ment of Quiche, pass into Baja Verapaz and continue in the 
Sierras of I^as Minas or del Mico. 

This zone has considerable elevation, rising in Los Altos 
Cuchumatanes (Department of Huehuetenango) to 3,800 
meters; in the mountains of Xucaneb (Department of Verapaz) 
2,550 m.; in the intermediary mountains of Pocolpa, or Chama, 
1,900 m.; in the mountains to the east of the Hacienda de 
San Vicente to 3,000 m., and in the mountains of San Gil, 
eastward of Izabal, to 2,000 m. Ail the mountains of Verapaz 
slope down toward the east. Only a small calcareous chain 
near Livingston, on the Gulf of Amatique, rises in another 
direction to a height of 350 meters. 

3. A southern zone, formed chiefly by eruptive mountain 
chains, which culminate in volcanoes like those of Tacana (4,150 
meters), Tajamulco (3,540 m.), Lacandon, Cerro Quemado, 
Santa Maria, Zufiil, San Pedro, Atitlan, Tollman, Cerro de 
Oro, Acatenango (3,906 m.), Fuego (4,260 m.), Agua (4,120 
m.), Pacaya (basalt), Cerro Redondo (basalt), Tecuamburro, 
Jumaytepeque, Moyuta, Chingo, Amayo, Culma, Talmal, 
Suchitan (basalt), Itzetepeque (basalt), Papalcuapa (basalt), 
Monterico (basalt), Ipala (basalt), and Jumay. All volcanoes 
which are not formed of basalt are of andesite rock. This 
zone is generally called the Cordillera de los Andes, which 
runs through the country from northwest to southeast at a 
distance of from 50 to 80 km. from the Pacific Ocean, and has 
an average height of 1,950 meters. 

Another division of the mountain system of Guatemala 
is as follows: 

1. The Cordillera de los Andes, parallel with the Pacific 
Ocean, 

2. The Sierra Madre, beginning at the volcano of Tacana 
and following an irregular line through the Department of 
Huehuetenango, Totonioapan and Alta Verapaz, and project- 
ing through British Honduras to the Atlantic. 

3. The Sierra de Chama, a range of the Sierra Madre, 
•which passes from Verapaz in a tortuous line toward the east. 

4. The Sierra de Santa Cruz, a range starting from the 
Sierra de Chama, following the direction of the Cahabon and 



Polochic Rivers, and continuing north of Lake Izabal until it 
disappears at the Gulf of Amatique. 

5. The Sierra de las Minas (or Mico Mountain), beginning 
north of Coban, running thence between the Polochic and 
Motagua Rivers, and south of Lake Izabal, and ending 
between the Bay of San Tomas and the Motagua near the 
Atlantic coast. 

6. The Sierra de Copan, a spur of the Cordilleras, crosses 
the Department of Santa Rosa, passes west of the lagoon of 
Ayarsa, rises again toward the north, makes a curve between 
the city of Esquipulas and the mines of Alotepeque, and 
stretches to the chain of mountains which separates Guatemala 
from Honduras. 

7. The mountains of Azulco, Conguaco and Moyuta, 
which form an isolated group of the Cordillera, culminating in 
the volcano of Tecuamburro. 

The principal river flowing to the Gulf of Mexico is the 
Usamacinta, and its affluents are the Rio de las Salinas, Rio 
de la Pasion and Rio Lacandon. After receiving the San 
Pedro this great river takes the name of Rio Tabasco in 
Mexico. 

To the Atlantic Ocean run the Rio Hondo and the Rio 
Belize. Into the Gulf of Honduras, which opens into the 
same ocean, empty the Rio Sarstoon and the Motagua, as well 
as the River Dulce, the outlet of Lake Izabal, which on its 
part receives the Rio Polochic. 

Tributaries of the Pacific Ocean are the Rio de Paz, Rio 
de los Esclavos, Rio de Michatoya, Rio Guacalate, Rio Coya- 
late, Rio Patulul, Rio Nagualate, Rio Samala, Rio Tilapa, 
Rio Naranjo and Rio Suchiate. All of these have their origin 
in the Cordillera de los Andes or in the adjacent highlands. 
Only one river of all the Pacific tributaries is navigable. It is 
the Rio Michatoya, on which boats can ascend to its con- 
fluence with the Maria Linda. 

On the other hand, the Atlantic tributaries are nearly all 
navigable to a certain extent, as the Rio Usumacinta, the Rio 
de las Salinas, also called Rio Negro above a place known as 
Nueve Cerros; the Rio de la Pasion from its confluence with 
the Rio Chajmaita; the Rio Sarstoon, which is the boundary 



line between Belize and Guatemala below the rapids of Gracias 
a Dios; the Rio Polochic below Panzos; the Rio Motagua 
below Gualan, and the Rio Dulce, as well as Lake Izabal, 
through their entire extent. 

The principal lakes are: 

Izabal 90 km (58 m.) long, 20 km. (12>^ m.) wide. 

Peten6FloreB.. 48 •' (30m.) ' 10 " S\4m.) " 

Tezacualpa 12 " (7J^ m ) " 11 " (Tin.) " 

Ayarza 13 " (7Hm) " 12 " (7V,m) " 

Atitlan 29 " (18 m.) " 11 " 7 m.) " 

Amatitlan 12 " (7y, m.) " 4 " (2V2 m.) " 

Ginja 25 " (12% m.) " 9 " (5>^ m.) " 

Of these there is steam navigation on Lakes Izabal, Atitlan 
and Amatitlan. 

The principal seaports are: 

ON THE ATLANTIC. 

LiriiigBton, Puerto Barrios, Izabal and Sauto Tomas. 

ON THE PACIFIC. 

San Jos$, Champerico and Ocos. 

The river ports are : 

Iztapa, Tejocote, Gualan and Panzos. 

As already indicated, a great variety of characters is 
shown in the geological structure of Guatemala. In the first 
place, the Quaternary formation (alluvium and diluvium) 
covers most of the Pacific coast from the foot of the mountains 
to the sea. The same formation is also observed around 
Guatemala, Chimaltenango, Chimalapa, Chiquimula, Esqui- 
pulas, Jalapa, Pinula, Puerto Barrios, La Libertad, and in the 
valley of the Rio de la Pasion. 

The Tertiary formation, and especially limestone, covers 
nearly the entire Department of Peten. Besides, limestones 
and dolomites of the Upper Cretaceous age are observed from 
La Libertad and San Benito toward the Usumacinta River, and 
toward British Honduras, east of San Luis and Santa Barbara. 
The surroundings of San Luis and Santa Barbara are Tertiary 
limestone and sandstones of Eocene and Miocene ages. 

The limestones and dolomites of the Upper Cretaceous 
age are also found in Alta Verapaz, in the north of Izabal and 
in the north of Huehuetenango, mixed with Tertiary lime- 



stones and sandstones, and followed southward, first in Hue- 
huetenango, then in the north of .Quiche and in the south of 
Alta Verapaz, by conglomerates, dolomites and limestones of 
the Lower Cretaceous age, and again in the same departments 
further south, and in Baja Verapaz, with limestones and dolo- 
mites of the Upper Carboniferous age commingled with Santa 
Rosa strata (slate, sandstone, pudding stone and carboniferous 
graywacke), a formation which has also been found around 
Dolores and eastward of it toward Belen, in the Department of 
Peten, and again .toward the north of Chiantla and toward the 
south of Cunen in Huehuetenango with pre-carboniferous 
limestone, also near Rabinal and Salama with crystalline lime- 
stone of the Azoic age. 

This Tertiary formation is followed, as already indi- 
cated in the orographical sketch, by an Azoic formation of 
gneiss, mica-slate and phylada, with large intrusions of 
granite, in the Department of Huehuetenango, Quiche, 
Baja \^erapaz, Zacapa, the south of Izabal, in Chiquimula, 
Jalapa and Guatemala. Granite is further found in the north 
of Chicacao, around the lake and eastward of the volcano of 
Atitlan, between Totonicapan and Santa Cruz de Quiche, in 
Villamesa, Jutiapa, etc. 

A kind of hornblende slate has been observed in small 
spots in Izabal. Around Lake Izabal and along the River 
Motagua and northward of it, as also southward of Quasta- 
toya and northward of Cobulco and Rabinal, serpentine has 
been found. 

The eruptive formations which cover the rest of Guate- 
mala are composed of porphyry in the north of Guatemala, in 
the northwest of Tocotan and northwest of Zacapulas; of 
diorite in the southeast of Palmillo; of obsidian in the north- 
east of Guatemala; of rhyolite and dacite in Olopa, Jocotan, 
southward of Cuajiniquilapa and northeastward of Guatemala; 
and of trachyte, together with basalt, rhyolite, obsidian and 
granite in the northeast of Guatemala, northward and north- 
westward of Santa Cruz de Quiche, northward of Zacapulas 
and southward of Izabal. 

The eruptive formations are further composed of basalt 
in the volcanoes of Pacaya, Cerro Redondo, Chingo, Suchitan, 



Iztepeque, Ipala and Monterico, also around Jerez, Que- 
zaltepeque, Ipala, Concepcion, Santa Catarina, Mita and Chi- 
quimula; and finally, mostly of andesite in all the rest of the 
Cordillera and the highlands, as in Tacana, Tejutla, San 
Marcos, Ostuncalco, Quezaltenango, Totonicapan, Solola, San 
Lucas, Atitlan, Santa Cruz Quiche, Patzum, Patzizia, Antigua, 
Amatitlan, Mataesquintla, Cuajiniquilapa, Moyata, Jolote- 
peque, etc. 

The following mineral products have been found, de- 
monstrating that Guatemala may also have a promising future 
development in this line, owing to the varied geological forma- 
tions just described: 

Quarts and gold in Cobulco, Choi, Rabinal and Salama 
in Baja Verapaz; in Palencia, Chiquin and Sanarate in the De- 
partment of Guatemala; in Jalapa and Zacapa. 

Silver and galenas in San Lorenzo, San Juan Sacate- 
pequez, Chinantla, San Antonio, San Pedro Yampue and 
Petapa in the Department of Guatemala; in Rabinal and Cu- 
bulco in Baja Verapaz; in Chimaltenango; Jalapa; Chiquimula 
(Alotepeque, Concepcion and Esquimulas); Santa Rosa; Hue- 
huetenango and Quezaltenango. 

Copper in Chinantla, Trapiche Grande, San Buenaven- 
tura, San Juan Sacatepeque, Palencia and Sanarate in the 
Department of Guatemala; in Rabinal and Cubulco in Baja 
Verapaz; Amatitlan; Jalapa and Zacapa. 

Coal and lignite in Chinantla, Palencia and Sanarate in 
Guatemala; San Martin in Chimaltenango; Santa Rosa; 
Jalapa; Izabal; and Cerro Gilnear, Livingston, and Coban in 
Alta Verapaz. 

Manganese in Jutiapa. 

Asbestos in Salama and Cubulco in Baja Verapaz. 

Graphite in Totonicapan, Huehuetenango, and in Cubulco 
and Rabinal in Baja Verapaz. 

Kaolin in Pinula, Mixco, San Juan Sacatepequez, San 
Antonio and Chinantla in Guatemala; Amatitlan; Santa Rosa. 

Opals in Chiquimula. 

Slate in Salama, San Antonio, Chiquin, and Huehue- 
tenango. 

Alum in Jutiapa and Huehuetenango. 



Marble in San Jose de Buenavista, Salama and Totoni- 
capan. 

There is no doubt that regions with porphyry, trachyte, 
basalt, rhyoHte, obsidian, gneiss, andesite and granite com- 
bined, as found north-northeastward of the city of Guatemala,, 
around Chiquimula, Jocotan and Olopa, southward from Za- 
capa, northward from Quezaltepeque, around Zacapulas and 
Santa Magdalena, between Uspantan and San Andres, must 
be rich in minerals, as similar regions are in other parts of the 
world. Valuable mines might also be found in the Sierra 
de las Minas and in the Sierra de le Grita, as well as in the 
Sierra del Espiritu Santo. 

Soils. The character of the soils of Guatemala are, as 
everywhere else, dependent on the surrounding geological 
formations, with reference to which the following brief list, 
taken from the highly interesting maps of Dr. Carlos Sapper, 
is given: 

1. Alluvial soils. These are found along the Atlantic 
Ocean, in the lower valley of the Motagua River, in that of the 
Rio Duke and in the lower part of that of the Rio Polochic, 
as well as in the lower region of the Rio de la Pasion and in 
the Salinas or Negro river. 

2. Mixed alluvial and volcanic soils. These soils cover 
all the lands from the foot of the Cordillera to the Pacific 
Ocean, also the valley of the Motagua River from Gualan 
upward to Morazan, and the surroundings of Salama, San 
Geronimo, Rabinal, Cobulco, Zacapulco, Chiquimula, Jilo- 
tepeque, Pinula, Santa Catarina, Jutiapa, Esquipulas and 
Jalapa. 

3. Volcanic soils. These soils cover the lands between 
Guatemala and Amatitlan, the surroundings of Chimaltenango 
and of Quezaltenango and the land south of the lake of 
Atitlan. 

4. Mixed eluvial and volcanic soils. These soils pre- 
dominate in the region of the volcanoes which form a long 
chain along the Pacific Ocean, 50 to 80 km. distant from the 
Cordillera de los Andes. Also the southern part of the adja- 
cent highlands, called "Mesa central," are covered with these 
mixed volcanic and eluvial soils, mostly of andesite origin; 

13 



as, for instance, the lands of Tacana, Momostenango, San 
Marcos, San Francisco, Totonicapan, Mazatenango, Solola, 
Santa Cniz Quiche, Tecpan, Pacicia, Patulul, Antigua, San 
Antonio, Palencia, Sampaquisoy, Mataquescuintla, Barberena, 
Cuajiniquilapa, Chiquimulilla, Jalpatagua, Comapa and Yu- 
piltepeque. 

5. Changed or replaced soils. Tliese soils of different 
g"eological origin are found in the northern part of the "Mesa 
Central," in a long strip, bounded by Momostenango, San Jose, 
San Antonio, Jalapa and Santa Catarina toward the south; 
and Quilco, Huehuetenango, Uspanton, San Cristobal and the 
foothills of the Sierra de las Minas toward the north. Besides 
the already named municipalities, the following have the same 
soil: San Martin, Jogabaj, Canoas, Sanarate, Guastatoya, 
Jocotan, Gualan and Palmillo. 

6. Laterite clay. This heavy soil, predominates in the 
high regions, especially in the Sierra Madre 6 Altos Cuchu- 
matanas, around the municipalities of San Mateo, Santa 
Eulalia, Salama, Ixcoy, Todos Santos, Nebaj, Chajut, Cozal, 
Cunen, Uspantan and Chicanan. 

7. Laterite in decompositi&n. This reddish soil is found 
in the Sierras de las Minas, del Mico, de la Grita and 
Espiritu Santo, and in Merendon; also in the mountains north 
of Lake Izabal, around Olapa, Coyante, Teleman, and north 
of Santa Cruz de Quiche. 

8. Laterite residua. Nearly all the Department of Peten 
is covered with this fertile soil, as is also a great part of 
the Departments of Izabal, Alta Verapaz and Huehuetenango 
in the north. 

9. Laterite in transformation. This soil is found in spots 
in the mountains of Chamas and Santa Cruz, in the region 

*of the Sarstoon and Pasion Rivers, around Lanquin, Cahabon, 
San Luis and Dolores in Peten. 



14 



II. 



CLIMATE. 



The people of Guatemala distinguish three zones, called 
Tierra caliente (hot region), Tier r a templada (temperate region) 
and Tierra fria (cold region), and two seasons, the moist or 
humid, called invicrno or winter, and a dry one, called verano 
or summer. 

The tierra caliente comprises the coast lands of the 
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. 

The tierra templada, or temperate zone, is found on 
the highlands or mesetas centrales, from 2,000 to 5,000 feet 
above the sea level. 

The tierra fria, or cold zone, is situated above the eleva- 
tion of 5,000 feet, and especially in the Departments of Solola, 
Totonicapan, Quiche, Huehuetenango, Quezaltenango and 
San Marcos, regions known under the name of Los Altos. Q ) 

The rainy season begins in May and lasts until October 
in the interior, and until December along the coasts. 

TJie hottest months are March and April, the coldest 
December and January. 

Going more into details, Guatemala lies entirely in the 
torrid zone. Stretched out between two oceans not far from 
each other, the climate would be uniformly hot and moist but 
for her varied mountains, especially the Cordilleras de los Andes , 
which oppose themselves to the prevailing winds, causing 
notable dififerences not only in temperature, but also in rain- 



15 



falls, humidity of the air, clouds and other meteorological 
phenomena. 

The predominant winds are from the east and north. 
Only along the Pacific coast and on the southern slopes of 
the southern Cordillera southern and southwestern winds are 
frequent at certain times of the year. But it is also true that 
the different mountains often modify locally the direction of 
■ the winds. ' - 

The curves of atmospheric pressure are very slight. As 
in the territory of Guatemala the sun passes twice a year to 
the zenith of each locality, so the temperature is higher at those 
times (April, May and August) than in the intermediary 
periods (July, December and January). The daily course of 
temperature is generally simple, although clouds and winds 
cause irregularities. The minimum is observed at sunrise and 
the maximum between two and three o'clock in the afternoon. 

Dr. Carlos Sapper gives the following table of average 
G-entigrad-e temperatures : 



Puerto Barrios.. . 

Salami 

Carnpur 

Chimax.. 

Guatemala 

Quezaltenango . . 



be >■ >o 

" S 2 



'Zm. 

920 " 

930 " 

1,306 " 

1,485 " 

2,350 " 



231/2 2i 



20 
17?4 

16 
10>^ 



21 

19>^ 

W% 

11% 



24^ 261^ 271/2 291/2 '26% 



2334 24% 
19% 21% 
181.^ 19% 
181/2 19>$ 
13% 1534 



251^ 253^ 



23 
20 
19% 
17 



22 
19 



If' 
1914 

ISVz 
16 



26 1-5 26% 27 
241^ 24 1213^ 
20% 20%!20% 
193^ 203.^1181/2 
181^ 183418 
15% 163^15% 



26% 23% 
21% 20% 



18% 

16% 
1434 






36C // 

Dr. Sapper estimates that for each 100 meters of elevation, 
the temperature is diminished by one-fealteffna centigrade' de- 
gree.- Naturally, clouds, rainfalls and high winds modify the 
regularity of temperature. 

The atmospheric humidity is high all over the country,, 
except in the dry regions situated between humid or moist 
mountains, as, for instance, in Salama and in the valley of the 
Motagua River. Its maximum is about sunrise, and the mini- 
mum between two and three o'clock in the afternoon, depend- 
ing upon the temperature. Electric phenomena, the direction 
of the winds and also the vegetation sensibly modify the sat- 
uration of the air. Thunderstorms are frequent from May to^ 



16 



September, but seldom occur during other parts of the year. 
They come on mostly in the afternoon between half-past two 
and half-past six o'clock. 

In regard to rainfall, it is a general rule that regions con- 
fronting moist winds from the ocean have an abundant pre- 
cipitation, and that regions defended by mountain ranges from 
the incursion of sea winds are dry. Guatemala, havin-g a com- 
plicated topographical configuration, has for this reason great 
varieties of rainfall in different parts of the country. 

Nearly all the curves of rainfall present two maxima, both 
occurring a little after the sun has passed the zenith of each 
locahty — that is, in June or July and in September. Some 
places in the north show a third maximum, and other places, 
such as Senahu, only one, which comes in August. 

Dr. Sapper observed in Alta Verapaz and along the At- 
lantic coast a considerable rainfall distributed throughout the 
year, a little heavier in October and December, and less from. 
January to April. In Los Altos, known as Costa Cuca, he 
found the rainfall very heavy, and occurring mostly from April 
to October. 

Further north, in Ouezaltenango and in Salama, he ob- 
served less precipitation, and it occurred mostly from May to 
September. After that time there followed a long dry season. 

In the City of Guatemala and surrounding highlands he 
noted a dry season quite as long and as w^ell pronounced, but 
the total amount of rainfall was considerably larger, the moist 
winds from the Pacific having freer access to these localities. 

• More particulars are found in the following table of aver- 
age rainfall in -millimeters for different regions: 



Puerto Barrios. . . 

Cubilguitz 

Setal 

Salama. 

Senahu 

Las .vlercedes 

Cliima.x 

Guatemala 

Quezaltenaiigo. . . 









J3 10 S 












"SOU 


a 


^ 


2 m. 


UO 


155 


.'^CO " 


ISO 


210 


720 " 


470 


800 


920 " 








flflO " 


K-50 


100 


1,000 " 


95 


60 


1,3(16 " 


1-!0 


no 


],4S5 " 


10 


8 


2,3C0 " 









85 1 155 

125! 70 

2701 70 

Oi 

80 i 105 
lOOi 215 
100! 60 



20 



IGO 320 500 

260, 380 520 

300 520 620 

90 180 IGO 

500 620 800 

445 560 470 

2it0 320 310 

75 141) 280 

90, 16J 100 



280 leo 

510 590 
430 ! 620 



240 

280 

420 



115 

60 

170 

15 

10 



17 



Hail seldom falls in tlie Republic of Guatemala; frosLs 
have been observed only in regions above -t78©©TH-et€-rs eleva- 
tion, and snow has onl}^ been seen in regions above 3tIiOO me- 
ters. The climate, taken all in all, is healthy. Fevers are con- 
fined to the coast lands, which are very warm and moist.! 

■ ' /ooo o Ac 



iS 



III. 



CHARACTER OF VEGETATION. 



The vegetation of Guatemala, as Mr. Hemsley says, is 
probably as varied as that of Southern Mexico, but there are 
no large desert tracts, as in Northern Mexico. 

The main mountain chain is an extension of that of Chia- 
pas, Mexico, and attains its greatest elevation in Ouezal- 
tenango, Chimaltenango and Guatemala, where it consists of 
upland plains stretching away to the north, surrounded by 
high hills and with the outline broken on the Pacific side by 
volcanoes. These highland plains are, for the most part, comi- 
paratively free from the denser growth of trees, and are, where 
not under cultivation, covered with grass upon which sheep 
and cattle graze. The surrounding hills are clothed with 
pines and oaks to an elevation of 10,000 to 11,000 feet, but 
they are mostly of low growth. 

A dense forest covers the slopes of the Cordillera toward 
the Pacific from an elevation of from 5,000 to 6,000 feet, and 
this blends with the lowland forests, which are denser and less 
broken at the foot of the Cordillera, but toward the ocean 
shore they are interspersed with palms and other trees, or 
with open stretches of rank grass. 

A long, narrow mountain ridge leaves the Cordillera not 
far from Totonicapan, and at first forms the watershed between 
the Rio Negro (Chisoy or Salinas) and Motagua. 

Then it divides, one branch separating the Motagua and 

19 



the Polochic valleys, the other the Polochic and the waters of 
the Rio Negro or Salmas and the Rio de La Pasion. 

The upper part of the valley of Motagua consists of plains 
covered chiefly with oaks and pines, the former loaded with 
orchids and Bromeliacece (including Tillandsia usneoides). 

Lower down the valley contracts, and its sides are cov- 
ered with a shrubby forest mingled with pines, but the higher 
slopes are clothed with oaks, w^hich are also loaded with Til- 
landsia and orchids, such as Oncidmm, Epidendriim, Pleurothal- 
lis and others. 

The hills then recede, and the valley expands into open 
and comparatively barren plains covered with Mimosse and 
Cacti. 

This vegetation is again succeeded rather suddenly be- 
tween Zacapa and Gualan by rich virgin forests, and these con- 
tinue to the Atlantic. 

The valleys of the Polochic and Cahabon Rivers take their 
rise in Alta Verapaz, in a rainy district covered with dense 
vegetation, a large portion of which is under cultivation. The 
ancient forests have for the most part given place to a second 
growth of woodSjV'which are cut and burnt from time to time 
for plantations of Indian corn, sugar, coffee, etc. 

In these valleys are also patches of fine forests, occupying 
the spurs of the chains of mountains bounding and dividing 
the valleys on either side. 

In the neighborhood of Cahabon the vegetation is more 
scanty, and open grassy plains occur. 

A few leagues above the junction of the Polochic and 
Cahabon Rivers, between Teleman and Panzos, the virgin 
forest is entered, and this, as in the Motagua valley, continues 
to the sea, covering the whole country around Lake Izabal 
and along the banks of the Rio Dulce. 

The high ridge bounding the valley of the Cahabon on the 
north is clothed with virgin forests nearly to its summit, and 
these spread continuously northward without interruption to 
the borders of the Department of Peten. Pine clad ridges 
form the divides between the rivers. 

Perhaps the largest unbroken forest in the whole of Gua- 
temala extends from northern Alta Verapaz into Peten. 



In order to give some idea of the phy to- geographical 
range of vegetation, let ns observe the highest volcanoes, the 
Volcan de Fuego (4,260 m.) and the Volcan de Agua (4,120 
ni.) as types. Mr. Hemsley, whose very trustworthy descrip- 
tion is here reproduced, and which accords with the author's 
own observation, says of the Volcan de Agua that its peak is 
clothed with grass and a few pines, together with the Alpine 
shrubs, vaccines, lupinus, etc. ; while the top of the Volcan de 
Fuego is nearly barren, a few ferns, lycopods, etc., only having 
fixed themselves in the crevices of rocks. 

Lower down on both volcanoes the pine trees become 
larger and more numerous, but entirely cease at an elevation 
■of 10,200 feet, giving place to a dense mixed forest. Large 
evergreen oaks are prevalent at an elevation of from 7,000 to 
8,000 feet. From this altitude down the virgin forest has 
been destroyed, to be succeeded by sugar fields and Indian 
corn patches, and still further down by coffee plantations in 
terspersed among woods of second growth. 

In order to characterize the vegetation of the Republic of 
■Guatemala in a few words, we may distinguish with Dr. 
Sapper : 

1. Litoral forests m. a narrow belt along the Pacific and 
Atlantic coast. 

2. Moist or humid forests oj the tierra caliente (hot zone) 
mixed with savayinas (prairie fields) which cover all the plains 
from the foot of the Cordillera de los Andes to the Pacific 
Ocean. 

3. Moist or huviid forests of the tierra caliente (hot zone) 
ayid tierra templada (temperate zone), found along the foothills 
of the volcanic chain of the Cordillera de los Andes, and in 
the northern and eastern part of the Republic of Guatemala, as 
described above. 

4. Moist or humid forests of the tierra fria (cold zone) , pre- 
dominating in the Altos Cuchumatanes. 

5. Pinares and roblarcs (pine and oak forests), of the tierra 
caliente, tictra templada and tierra fria, found in the upland 
plains (mesetas centrales), covering considerable expanses and 
mixed with : 



6. Savannas with Chaparrales (small trees and bushes of 
MiinosecB, Euphorbiacece , etc.), characteristic of the upland 
plains and dry regions. 

7. Savannas with pines, along the Golfo Dulce (Atlantic 
coast lands). 

8. Savannas of the tierra fria, on the highest table-lands 
of the mountains. 

The vegetation of Guatemala is ver}^ rich in economic 
plants. My list of woods exceeds the number of 400 different 
species ; 339 are contained in my list of medicinal plants. 
There are 7 different kinds of rubber trees, about a dozen 
fibre plants, over 50 gums and resins, a great number of tan- 
ning and dye woods, a very great number of fruit trees, many 
oil plants, i wax plant {Virola sebifera Aubl.'), numerous 
aromatic and perfume producing plants, spices, balsams, starch 
yielding roots, etc. 

Among the woods figure in first place the caoba {Swietejiia 
Mahagoni L.), cedro ( Cedrela odorata L.^, guayacan ( Guayacum 
officinale L. ) , mora ( Chlorophora tinctorial^ . Gaud. ) , guachipilin 
{Pithccolobiicni) , ronron (^Parinariuvi guiancjisis) , madre 
cacao {Gliricidea^ , ebauo {^Brya ebayiits L. \_DC.'Y) , laurel {Nec- 
tandra), cortez {Tabcbuia Donnel Smithia Rose), chico zapote 
{Achras zapote L.) , balsamo {Myroxylon), cipres {Cupressus) , 
cedro bianco (^Bursera), cenisero {Pithecolobitwi Saman 
Benth^, culebro {Terminalia), encino {^Quercus'), guajo (^Leu- 
cce7ia esciilenta Bejith.), guanacaste {Enterolobiiwi cyclocarpum 
Gr.), iscanal (Mimosa, sp.), mangle {Rhizophora Mangle L.), 
iiacascalote {Caesalpinia coriajna IVilld.), palojiote {Bursera 
Simaruba {L.) Sarg.), pino bianco (Abies religiosa Linden), 
also called pinabete, pino Colorado (Pinus), roble (Quercus), 
tasisco {Peiymenium Turckheiniii Klatt.), taray (Eysenhardtia 
amoiphoides H . B.K.), tepeguaje (Zj'5?7^?;z(i; acapiilcensis Benih.) , 
zapotillo (Vitellafia niamniosa (L.) Radlk.), etc. 

These medicinal plants take a first rank : 

Zarzaparilla (Smilax officinalis, L.), guaco (Aristolochia) , 
quina (Cinchona), michoacan (Exogoniiwi Purga (Wejider) 
Benth), liquidambar (Liqnidambar macrophylla Oerst^, te de 
limon ( AndropogoJi) , copalchi (Croton niveiis Jacq.), calagula 
(Poly podium), contra^^erba (DorsteJiia Contrayerva L.), casca- 

22 



rilla (Croton flavens L.), copal {Tetragastyis balsamifera (Szc.) 
O. Ktze?), doradilla {Adia7itHin),Qic. 

The principal rubber tree is the Castilloa elastica Cerv. , 
locally called " liule." Other milk producing trees are a 
number of Ficus, as the amate, mastate, higuera, etc., a 
number of Eitphorbiacecs ^ Apocynacea , AsdepiadacecE , Sapota- 
cea; and species of Brosimum (milk tree), Ariocarpics (bread 
tree), Caj-ica (melon tree), Hiwa, etc. 

The most important Jibre plants are : the Carhidovica 
palmata Ruiz et Pav., of the leaves of which the so-called 
Panama hats are made, the palma real {Oj-eodoxa oleracea 
Mart.), also used for hats, the fibres of co3^ol {Acrocomia vini- 
fera Oerst.), maguey and henequen {Agave), pita floja {Foiir- 
croya gigantca Vent.), piiiuela {B7-omelia pingtcin L.), escobilla 
{Abutilon indiciwi Sw. ) , silk, cottons {^Bombax Ceiba and Oehroma 
{agopus), white and brown cottons {Gossypiuni barbadense,) 
bast {Castilloa elastica, Cevd; Giiazuvia ulniifolia Lam .) , etc. 

Among the balsams, g2ims and resins are prominent the 
balsams oi Liqiiidambar macrophylla Oerst., Myroxylon sp., the 
resins and turpentines of pines {Pinus), the gums of cachito 
{Acacia Fariiesiana IVilld.), icanal {Mimosa), espino bianco 
{Prosopis), guanacaste {Enterolobium cyclocarpum Gr.), the 
resins of copinol or guapinol {Hymenaea coitrbaril L.), cedro 
{Bursera), jiote {Bursera simarnba {L.) Sarg.), jocote {Spo?i- 
dias dulcis Forsk.), jobo {Spondias liitea L.), mangle {Rliizo- 
phora Mangle L.), guacacan {Guajacum officinale L.), espino 
negro {Acacia sp.), etc. 

The best tannings are the barks of encina and roble 
(species of ^«i?ra^.y) , mangle {Rhizophora Mangle L.), guana- 
caste {Enterolobium cyclocarpiun Grisb.), and the fruits of 
iiacascolote {Caesalpinia coriaria Willd.) 

Tinctorial plants are, in the first place, the indigo or aiiil 
{Indigo/era anil L.), then the achiote {Bixa orcllcna L.), the 
camotillo {Curcuma lo7iga Roxb.), the wood of campeche 
{Haniatoxyloii canipechiamnn L.), of brazil {Caesalpinia sp.^, 
of mora {Chlorophora tinctoria) , sacatinta {Dicliptcra l^ahliana 
A'i?^^. ), the fruits of iiacascolote (Ca^5a/^/;^ /a coriaria Willd.), 
etc. 

Among the oil fruits and oil seeds may be mentioned the 



corozo {Atialea cohiine Mart.'), tlie coyol {Acrocomia viyiifera 
Mart.), coco (^Cocos iiucifera), and the cultivated seeds of 
Riciyius communis Z,., Arachis hypogaea L. , Jatropha aircas L., 
Scsa7num indiaim L., Lhnim usitatissimiim L., Brassica 
chracea L. , etc. 

Fruit trees and plajits are the orauge, lemon and other spe- 
cies of Citrus, the aguacate {Persea g-ratissi/ua L.^, the anona 
i^Auona S(^uafnosa L., Anona reticulata L .) , the chirimo^'a (Anona 
cherimolia Mill.), the chico zapote {Ac/iras sapota L.), guana- 
vana or guanava {Anona muricata L.), mamey {J/annnea atneri- 
eana I..), Mango {Mangifera indica L.), niaraiion {Anacardiiem 
occidentale L.), jocote {Spondias), Manzana de Rosa {Jamhosa 
Caryophyllus {Spr. Ndz.), cainito {Chrysophyllum eainito L.), 
gua3-aba {Psidium guayva Raddi), icaco {Chrysobalamis icaco 
Z.), sonsapote {Mangifera indica L.), palo de pan {Artocarpus 
incisa Z.\ higo {Ficus carica L.,) papaya {Carica papaya L.), 
nance \^Ma/pig/iia pa rz'i/olia A. /uss.\ coco i^Coeos Jiucifera L.), 
cacao {Theobroma Cacao L.^, granadilla ^Passijlora sp.), etc., 
not counting a variety of bananas {Musa) and other cultivated 
plants, like pine apples, coffee, etc. 

The best aromatic plant is the vanilla (T'anilla planifolia, 
Andr.), but there are a very great number of aromatic barks 
(like canelo, palo de anis. balsamo). aromatic woods, aromatic 
flowers, aromatic seeds, etc.. as well as all kinds of spices. 

The principal roots or tubers are the yucca (Ma)iihof aipi, 
PohL), the name (^Dioscorca alafa L.\ camote 6 batata dulce 
(Ipama:a batatas Lam., or sweet potato!, el quiquisque (Colo- 
casia antiquonim Schott.) and the potato (Solaniim fitbcros- 
iim L.}. 

Nearly every plant can be cultivated in the territory of 
Guatemala, but as all the plants depend itpon a certain average 
temperature, the following list is given of the altitudes and 
centigrade temperatures suited to the more important com- 
mercial plants: 



^4 



Cortoe 

Ciireo 

Rublier or luile 

Coi-oiunit 

luiliyo or anil 

lii.f 

Corozo {Attiikn cohuna) 
V:\oh-A and cedro .... 

Liciuidambar 

Chii'osapote 

Oreoiloxa oleraeea . . . 

GuayaHi 

Coyol Cpalm) 

Chile (Capsieuin). ... 



Sugar caue 

Cotton 

Ananas (pine apple). 
Tobacco 



Yuroa {Maniliot ami 

Pohl) 

Banana (Musa) 

Agiiacate {Pcrsea) 

Oranges ; 

Peaches 

Apples 

Barlev 

Beans 



Indian corn 
rotatocs...., 
Wheat 



Masjuey {Afjave) 

Pinabete 

[Abieif religiosa) 

Isolated dicotyledonous 

tnes 

Coniferous forests and 

vaccinire 

Isolated pines 



Altitude in 

Meters. 



Average Temperature. 



3X) to 
0" 
0" 
0" 
0" 
0" 
0" 
' 

800" 
0" 
0" 
0" 
" 
" 

0' 
0' 
0' 
0' 



l.TiO-lSOO 

500- 900 

•iOO 
1200 

700 
1000 

GOO 

too 

1900 
900 
1200 
1700 
ISlX) 
1700 

1600-1900 
UOO 
1400 
1800 



Tierra caliente, Tierra templada, 



23°-203C. 



17'^-23°C. 







1330 
1800 
1450 



ISOO 



2400' 



' ISOO 
' 1900 
' 1950 
' 2100 
' 2450 
' 2500 
' 3300 
' 3000 
' 3100 
' 3100 
' 3150 

' 3400 

' 3500 



3600 



.3S0O 
.4000 



Tierra f ria inferior 
10°-17'^C. 



Tierra fria, 
10°C. 



. 



The following pages give a complete list of the native 
names of the woods and medicinal plants. 



Native Names of the "Woods of Guatemala. 


Abeto. 


Anison. 


Beyotou. 




Acaal. 


Auono. 


Bilin. 




Acacia. 


Ansul. 


Bits. 




Aceituno. 


Araluni. 


Bojon. 




A?uacate. 


Aripiu. 


Bolador. 




Aguacate cimarroii. 


Aripin Colorado. 


Brazil. 




Aguacate de mico. 


Aripiu negro. 


Bramon. 




Alamo. 


Arrayan. 


Bronzou 


5 jobillo. 


Aluod-):!. 


Asta. 


Bucute. 




Algodoncillo. 


Ausup. 


Buent4. 




Aliso. 


Aya. 


. Bulucbg. 




Aliso bianco. 




Burrion. 




Aliso Colorado. 


Bache. 






Almendro. 


Bacutzun. 


Cabahue 


or calahue. 


Ama. 


Balsamo. 


Cabo de 


bacha. 


Am ate. 


liaqueltiian. 


Cabos. 




Aiuate bianco. 


Bejuco de cruz. 


Cacao. 









i 


Native Names of "Woods of Guatemala— Continued. j 


Cacho. 


Ohilimate. 


Espino jiote. 


Cachilote. 


Chile. 


Estoraque. 


Cacho de venado. 


Chilindron. 


Eucalypto. 


Cacoc. 


Chilique bianco. 




Caimito. 


Chilonche. 


Flor blanca. 


Caimito Cimarron. 


Chimon. 


Flor mata. 


Caj. 


Chinacte. 


Frijol. 


Cajetillo. 


Chintoc. 


Fruta de cabro. 


Cajeto. 


Chintoox blanpo. 


Fustic. 


Cajon. 


Chipilin. 




Cagagnance. 


Cbiquey. 


Gamusa. 


Calagua. 


Chochoe. 


Gorda. 


Calote. 


Chocon. 


Gramian. 


Canaje. 


Choiolte. 


Granadillo. 


Camasul. . 


Chonilli. 


Guachipilin. 


Camello. 


Chontat. 


Guachipilin de mon- 


Carney. 


Chonte. 


tana. 


Campanillo. 


Chorreado. 


Guachipilin de zope. 


Canac. 


Chucon or Chocon. 


Guaeimo. 


Cauaflstola. 


Chuciin. 


Giiaco. 


Canal. 


Chulte. 


Guacuco. 


Canaste. 


Cipres. 


Gua.ie or Guaj. 


Canelillo. 


Cupulpon. 


Guajilote. 


Candelillo. 


Ciracil. 


Guama. 


Canelo. 


Ciricote. 


Guanacaste. 


Canjan or canxan 


Clya. 


Guapinol. 


or canshan. 


Clusero. 


Guarumo. 


Canoj. 


Cocomatillo. 


Guayabillo. 


Cante. 


Cocoyol. 


Guayabillo del 


Canton ron. 


Coj. 


monte. 


Cantote. 


Cola de Muerta. 


Guayacan. 


Caoba. 


Cola de Nabo. 


Guayacaneillo. 


Capaton. 


Cola de pavo. 


Guayavo. 


Capeta. 


Colay. 


Guelleno. 


Capote. 


Copalchi. 


Guicicil. 


Oapoton. 


Comaste. 


Guchila. 


Capulin. 


Conac. 


Guilihuiste. 


Car6. 


Copac. 


Guilon. 


Carezo. 


Copal de zope. 


Guite. 


Carreto. 


Copo copinol. 




Carreto chlno. 


Cordoncillo. 


Hamacuvo. 


Cascamite. 


Corona. 


Higo. 


Castano. 


C3orozo. 


Hilamo. 


Catecay. 


Cortez. 


Hocochinol. 


Cedazo. 


Corteza bianco. 


Hormigo. 


Cedrillo. 


Corteza de tierra . 


Hormigulllo. 


Cedro bianco. 


fria. 


Huanacaste. 


Cedro de la costa. 


Cortez negro. 


Huacmi. 


Cedro de montaua. 


Croton. 


Huano. 


Cedron. 


Cruzeto. 


Huco. 


Cenicero. 


Cualius. 


Huesito. 


Cerezo. 


Cuapinol. 


Huilacuc. 


Chaca.i. 


Cucruch. 


Huilihuiste. 


Chacole. 


Cudueh. 


Huisisil. 


Chacancbe. 


Culan. 


Huite. 


Chactecoc. 


Culebro. 


Huiton. 


Cbalum. 


Cumuscuh. 


Hule. 


Cbaltecoco. 


Curana. 




Champac. 




lean. 


Chanupo. 


Dnramo. 


Ilamo. 


Cbaparro. 


Durazno. 


Ilamo bianco. 


Cbaperno. 


Duraznillo. 


Ilamo Colorado. 


Cbaperno bianco. 


Duruchal. 


Ilamo macho. 


Chote. 




Ilamo terno. 


Chatermo. 


Ebano. 


Iquichg. 


Chattermuch. 


Ebano del monte. 


Irayol. 


Cbecken. 


Ectis. 


Iscamal. 


Chichlpote. 


Encino. 


Ixguache. 


Chichique. 


Encino bianco. 


Ixlan. 


Chickarro. 


Encino Colorado. 




Chico. 


Encino negro. 


Jabillo. 


Chico de montaCa. 


Escobo. 


Jabin. 


Cbico zapote. 


.Escobillo. 


Jaboncillo. 



26 



Jalteyupe. 

.Tesmo. 

Jicaro. 

Jii. 

Jiote. 

Jobo. 

Jobillo or bronzou. 

Jocote. 

Jocote diilce. 

Joeote de fraile. 

Jocote de mico. 

Jocotiu. 

Jojonte. 

Jolol. 

Jubii. 

Jubun. 

Jiijii. 

Jupuyulo. 

Jusisco. 

Kante. 
Kogl. 

Lagarto. 

laurel. 

Laurel mensado. 

Lanelillo. 

Leche amarillo. 

Lecbe de maria. 

Leche bianco. 

Leche de vaca. 

Lechny. 

Limache. 

Limon. 

Limonsillo. 

Limpiadientes, 

Liquidambar. 

Llaje. 

Llema de huevo. 

Luin. 

Lunelillo. 

Madre caoba. 

Madre cacao. 

Madre cabe. 

Madre flecha. 

Maninao. 

Matilisguate. 

Maca de gallo. 

ilacaguite. 

Madroncillo. 

Madron. 

Madrono. 

Mamey. 

Mangle. 

Mario. 

Marillo. 

Malacute. 

Matasano. 

Manchador. 

Machlnche. 

Maray. 

Majo de costa. 

Majagua. 

Mano de leon. 

Macueliz. 

Manchich. 

Manax. 

^L^lerilIo. 

Manzano. 

Membrillo. 

Mescal. 

Melocoton. 



Mitilisque. 

Morillo. 

Mora. 

Moracarey. 

Mora clavo. 

Mora espino. 

Mora cashii. 

Moral. 

Morro. 

Moracaray. 

Mosote. 

Muxte. 

Mulato. 

Muyloco. 

Naba. 

Nance. 

Naranohe. 

Karanjo. 

Nacasoalote. 

Xaranjillo. 

Napotuite. 

Nispero. 

Niquidala. 

Nuez. 

Ocante. 

Ocansin. 

Ocancoj. 

Oconsagui. 

Olivo. 

Oljuche. 

Omalate. 

Ontzu. 

Palohuite. 

Palo Jiote. 

Palo de taray. 

Palo de matabuey. 

Palo de zorro. 

Palo de matazano. 

Palo gare. 

Palo cortez. 

Palo brazil. 

Palo de ura. 

Palo zapotillo. 

Palo de poro. 

Palo mata. 

Palo de jaboncillo. 

Palo guayabillita. 

Palo bianco. 

Palo mulato. 

Palo lagarto. 

Palo de la vida. 

Paczimon. 

Patas. 

Patan. 

Paste de mico. 

Pasak. 

Panhul. 

Pante. 

Paraiso. 

Patastillo. 

Pas de alvez. 

Peine. 

Pellejo. 

Picari'omorro. 

Pino. 

Pinabete. 

Pimiento sMvestre. 

Pimiento. 

Pij. 



Pich. 

Perata. 

Pixov. 

Pichol. 

Plomillo. 

Plumejillo. 

Pleinillo. 

Poshte. 

Puxche. 

Puntero. 

Quiebrahacha. 
Quita camisas. 
Quina roja. 
Quina. 

Quijinicuil. 
Quinocche. 

Raixchec. 

Kayan. 

Ketamo de castilla. 

Retamo silvestre. 

Roble amargo. 

Roble. 

Roble negro. 

Roble alazan. 

Roble de raontafia. 

Roble de tierra cal- 

iente. 
Roble bianco. 
Ronron. 
Rosa. 
Roman. 
Robleto. • 

Sacricoy. 

Sagsfi or sacsiS. 

Saccac. 

Saro. 

Sacmoshi. 

Sapuyul. 

Sangquichf. 

Sare negro. 

Sare espino. 

Sabacchg. 

Salvia santa. 

Salvia silvestre. 

Sangre de drago. 

Santa marla. 

Salamo. 

Salan. 

Sacuche. 

Sal de venado. 

Sacalasque. 

Saca sangre. 

Sajat. 

Sauco. 

Sauce. 

Sacuaytin. 

Samo. 

Sapote. 

Sapote Cimarron. 

Sebo verde. 

Shuhyuc. 

Shaguay. 

Siquilla. 

Sinlccbe. 

Simunte. 

Sojchaj. 

Sosni. 

Sumaque. 

Supicay. 

Sumante. 



27 



Native Names of Woods of Guatemala — Continued, 



Suquinay. 


Toxok. 


Yaxjabin. 


Suj. 


Toncontin. 


Yaje. 




Tontal. 


Yaxnic. 


Tapalguacamayo. 


Tripa de coyote. 


Yaxman. 


Tacamatillo. 


Tripa de leon. 


Yesmo. 


Tabla. 


Trompilio. 


Yupoc. 


Taje. 


Tuayacan. 


Yulbac. 


Tamarindo. 


Tzalan. 


Yupe. 


Tapalcuite. 




Yxgualame. 


Tamarindillo. 


Uca. 


Yush. 


Tatascamite. 


Ujacamic. 




Tasisco or taxixcon. 


Ujuste Colorado. 


Zacaton. 


Tashiste. 


U.iuste bianco. 


Zapoton. 


Taray negro. 


Una de gato. 


Zapotillo. 


Tapiloco. 


Upay. 


Zapotillo de mico. 


Tan. 


Uvito. 


Zapote. 


Tatan. 


Urutay. 


Zapote de mico. 


Tarnay. 




Zapote de montafia. 


Tapaljocote. 


Vacutzun. 


Zapiloco. 


Tempiste. 


Vainilla. 


Zapoyulo. 


Tepecedro. 


Vara. 


Zigiya. 


Tepesuchel. 


Varilla. 


Zope. 


Testal. 


Volador. 


Zozin.- 


Tepeguaje. 




Zopilote. 


Teste. 


Xilil. 


Zom or zon. 


Tinte. 




Zulunte. 


Tijte. 


Yaj. 


Zucte. 


Tontolo. 


Yajillo. 


Zulul. 


Torany. 


Yax-ek. 





Medicinal Plants of Guatemala. 


Achiote. 


Cache. 


Contrayerba. 


Aguacate de mico. 


Cana de cristo. 


Con. 


Altamisa. 


Camote. 


Conte. 


Alcotan. 


Capulin (raiz). 


Corteza de balsamo. 


Algodon ixcaco. 


Capulin (corteza). 


Corteza de copalchi. 


Algodon bianco. 


Calaguala (polypod). 


Corteza de copal. 


Algodon de corcho. 


Camotillo. 


Corteza de caulote. 


Algodon de ceiba. 


Calague. 


Corteza de casca- 


Alucema. 


Carnero. 


rilla. 


Almolonga. 


Caparroza. 


Corteza de guana- 


Anil. 


Cacao. 


caste. 


Arnica. 


Canjui. 


Corteza de grana- 


Arrayan. 


Caulote. 


dillo. 




Cascarilla. 


Corteza de quina. 


Barba de viejo. 


Canutillo. 


Corteza de quie- 


Balsamo. 


Camelia. 


brahacha. 


Barbasco. 


Capetanejo. 


Corteza de sasafraz. 


Bejuco de cruz. 


Cera vegetal. 


Corteza de sare 


Bejuco de dul. 


Ceiba. 


negro. 


Bejuco de guaco. 


Chile. 


Corteza de yaje. 


Bejuco de ipeca- 


Cinco negritos. 


Corteza de duruche. 


cuanha. 


Cebollin. 


Corteza de chichi- 


Bejuco de barba de 


Cinchona. 


pate. 


viejo. 


Chuchipate. 


Corteza de guaya- 


Bejuco de meona. 


Chuehupo. 


can. 


Bejuco de subiu. 


Ohiquiguites. 


Corteza de nispero. 


Birrin. 


Chichique. 


Corteza de morro. 


Birrinaque. 


Chilchujia. 


Corteza de oroto- 


Bomino cimarron. 


Chicoria. 


guaj. 


Borraja. 


Chivato. 


Corteza de palo 


Bretonica. 


Coralillo. 


jiote. 



28 



Medicinal Plants of Guatemala— Continued. 



Corteza de cin- 


Hojas de solojaj. 


chona. 


Hojas de laurel. 


Coi'teza de liquid- 


Hojas de tostonera. 


ambar. 


Hojas de conejo. 


Corteza de matilis 


Hojas de upay. 


guate. 


Hojas de ruda. 


Corteza de pimiento. 


Hojas de yerba cul- 


Corozo. 


ebra. 


Coroucho. 


Hojas de santisima 


Corcho. 


trinidad. 


Copalchi. 


Hojas de chilchujia. 


Copal. 


Hojas de sante. 


Culantro. 


Hojas de zorro. 


Culantrillo. 


Hojas de limon. 


Culebra. 


Hoja aromatica. 


Cuatro hinojos. 


Hoja canjui. 


Cresta de gallo. 


Higuera (hojas). 


Cuculmeca. 


Hicaque. 




Huenon. 


Doradilla. 




Doradilla (adian- 


Incienso de monte. 


thum). 


Ipecacuanha (bejuco). 


Drotoguaj. 


Ixcaco. 


Drago. 




Dill. 


Jamaica. 


Durnchg. 


Jalapa. 




Jicamo. 


Escoba. 


Jenjibrillo. 


Escobilla. 




Escobilla blanca. 


Lava plato. 


Escorzonera. 


Limon. 




Loro. 


Flor doradilla. 


Laurel. 


rior de hoja de 


Llanten. 


conejo. 


Liquidambar. 


Flor de mulatilla. 




Flor de muerto. 


Mapahuita. 


Flor de manzanilla. 


Mulatilla. 


Flor de orejuela. 


Manias. 


Flor de sintus. 


Michoacan, 


Flor de coroncho. 


Machul. 


Flor de corozo. 


Madre de maiz. 


Flor de sanguinaria. 


Manzanillo. 


Flor de zach. 


Meona. 


Fruta pataste. 


Meona alves. 




Malva francosa. 


Gengibrillo. 


Malva de castilla. 


Gengibre. 


Malvavisco. 


Granadillo. 


Murrulblanco. 


Granadillo silvestre. 


Malva silvestre. 


Guaco. 


Mejorana. 


Guauacaste. 


Malagueta. 


Guarumo. 


Matiliquate. 


Guayabo. 


Morro. 


Guayacan. 


Monacillo. 




Mejor nada. 


Hoja de guayabo. 


Margarit. 


Hojas de higuera. 




Hojas de verbena. 


Negritos. 


Ho.ias mejor nada. 


Nispero. 


Hojas de poleo. 


Nardo. 


Hojas de santo do- 


Naranjo amargo. 


mi ngo. 


Nabo. 


Hojas de barbasco. 


Nahuapate. 


Hojas de salvia 


Nogal. 


real. 




Hojas de perro. 


Orozuz. 


Hojas del aire. 


Orejuela. 


Hojas de hemela. 


Ortiga. 


Hojas de malva. 


Ojo de venado. 


Hojas de sintiil. 




Hojas lava platos. 


Poleo. 


Hojas sana lo todo. 


Pericon. 



Panquil. 
Paraiso. 
Palo de jiote. 
Palo de cruz. 
Palo de la vida. 
Poro (yerba). 
Pez del mico. 
Pimienta. 
Piiion. 

Quina. 
Quiebrahacha. 

Ruda. 
Rabia. 
Ruibarbo. 
Raiz de poleo. 
Raiz de sutio. 
Raiz de con. 
Raiz de gengibrillo. 
Raiz de jicamo. 
Raiz de gengibre. 
Raiz de hicaque. 
Raiz de orozuz. 
Raiz de borraja. 
Raiz de mechoacan. 
Raiz de escorzonera. 
Raiz de panquil. 
Raiz de zarzapa- 

rilla. 
Raiz de canutillo. 
Raiz de huenon. 
Raiz de granadillo. 
Raiz de capulin. 
Raiz de almolonga. 
Raiz de camotillo. 
Raiz de cinco ne- 

gritos. 
Raiz de varafunda. 
Raiz de Valeriana. 
Kaiz de ipecacuanha. 
Raiz de guapillo. 
Raiz de cebollin. 
Raiz de calaguala. 
Raiz de ruibarbo. 
Raiz de calague. 
Raiz de rubin. 
Raiz de jalapa. 
Raiz de cuculmeca. 
Raiz de orejuelo. 
Raiz de guaco. 
Raiz de yerba de 

conejo. 
Raiz de conte. 
Raiz de nahuapate. 
Raiz de yulpate. 
Raiz de lavaplato. 
Raiz de alcotan. 
Raiz de escobillo. 
Raiz de contray- 

erba. 
Raiz de tamagay. 
Raiz de canjin. 
Raiz de pimienta. 
Romero. 

Sauce. 

Salvia santa. 
• Salvia real. 
Salvia de monte. 
Santo domingo. 
Sanalotodo. 
Sutio. 



29 



Medicinal Plants of Guatemala — Continued. 


Sintul. 


Tabaco. 


Yerba vainilla. 


Sintus. 


Tostado. ' 


Yerba del toro. 


Semilla de cera veg- 


Tostonera. 


Yerba poleo. 


etal. 


Tazol. 


Yerba margarit. 


Semilla de orejuela. 


Tarol. 


Yerba del toro. 


Semilla de achiote. 


Tisach. 


Y'erba buena. 


Semilla de eapar- 


Tuculchumes. 


Yerba de culebra. 


1-0 za. 


Tejutla. 


Yerba de la meona. 


Semilla de algodon. 


Tamagaz. 


Yerba rabia. 


Semilla de paraiso. 


Turij. 


Yerba de cone.16. 


Solo un pie. 




Yerba del medico. 


Sangre de drago. 


Uva. 


Yerba del poro. 


Solajaj. 


Upay. 


Yerba de carnero. 


Sasafraz. 




Yerba barbona. 


Sare negro. 


Verbena. 


Yerba del ciervo. 


Sacatinta. 


Valeriana. 


Yuquilla. 


Santisima trinidad. 


Vainilla. 


Yulpate. 


Suchumacan. 


Varafunda. 


Yaje. 


Sabin. 


Venado. 


Yuca. 


Setesac. 






Sanguinaria. 


Yerba de orozuz. 


Zarza de monte. 




Yerba de sanalo- 


Zarzaparrilla. 


Te del monte. 


todo. 


Zaeaton. 


Te de limon. 


Yerba del cancer. 


Zach. 


Tomate del monte. 


Yerba de santo do- 




Tore. 


mingo. 




1 



30 



IV. 



FAUNA. 



The fauna of Guatemala is naturally varied. As Mr. Juan 
Rodriguez, a very competent and respectable zoologist of Gua- 
temala, says, the geographical position, the diversity of climate, 
produced partly by its topography, the great number of rivers 
and creeks found everywhere and the richness and exuberance 
of the vegetation support the life of an immense number of 
animals. It also happens that a number of migratory birds 
which periodically pass from the northern to the southern 
hemisphere go through the territory of Guatemala. A num- 
ber of birds also terminate their excursions in Guatemala, stay- 
ing several months, some for procreation and others, like 
doves, ducks and birds of prey, only for food. The territory 
of Guatemala has two species of monkeys (the Mono and the 
Mica). The first is Mycetcs villosus, the second the Aides 
vcUcrosus. Of Cheiroptera there are thirty-seven species, in- 
cluding vampires. To condense the account, this list is given 
of the principal animals, with their vernacular names : 

Name. Scientific Name. 

Musarana ■'" r.'x verapaclK . 

I' lilarina micrui'u. 

Tigre FrVis onca. 

Cuucel " parclalis. 

TigriUo'.V ." '' tiyrina. 

Leon " concohn-. 

Leoncillo " yayuarandi. 

Tejon " eyra. 

Coyote Canis latrans. 

Gato de moute : Viilpef: virginia)iits. 

31 : 



Nam Scientific Name 

Mapache Proci/on lotor. 

Guia de leon Bassaris sumichrasti. 

Pizote Nasua nasica. 

Micoleon Cercoleptes candivolontus 

Comadreja Mustela brasiliensis. 

Perico lijero Galictis barbara. 

2orillo Mephitis mephitlca. 

" " putorius. 

" Conepatus mapurito. 

Perro de agiia Lutrafelina. 

Vaca marina Manatus australis. 

Danta Tapirus bait'di. 

" " doiri. 

Coche de moiite Dicotyles tajactt. 

Jabali Dicotyles labiatus. 

Venado Cariacus virginianus. 

Guizizil " rufinus. 

Ardilla Sciuroptenis volucella. 

" Sciurus carolinensis. 

" " grisenflavus. 

" " variegatus. 

" " hypopyrrhus. 

" " deppei. 

Katon. Mus musculiis. 

Katon de monte Hesperomys ieguina. 

" " " sumichrasti. 

" " " conesi. 

" " " nudicaudatus, 

" " Ochetodon mexicamis. 

" " Sigmodonhispidiis. 

" " Neotoma ferruginea. 

Taltuza Geomys niexicanus. 

" ... " hispidus. 

Raton de monte Meleromys desniarestianus. 

" " " longicaudatus. 

Puerco espin Synetheres niexicanns. 

Cotuza Dasyprocla pu7ictata, 

Tepescuintle Cxlogenys paca. 

Oonejo Lepiis palustris. 

Armado Tatusia novemcincta. 

Oso colraenero Myrniecophaga jubala. 

" •' " tetradactyle. 

" de platanar i^ycloturus didactyliis. 

Tacuasin Didelphys virginiana. 

" " guica d 

" raton " mufina. 

" de agua Cheironectes varisgatus 



BIRDS. 

There are forty-nine species of Biitcos, Falcos and other 
birds of prey; sixteen of owls and nightbirds, and 410 of 
smaller birds, besides a number of gallinacese. 

Herewith is a list of the more common birds : 

Senzontle Mimits gilvus. 

Pito Real Myriadectes obscurus: 

Guarda barranca " unicolor. 

Chipe Dendrceca, species. 

" gorrion C'cereba cyanea. 

Galandria Chlophonia, species. 

" Euphonia. species. 

Cardenal Tanagra, species. 

Alcalde mayor Rhamphocellus. 

Chiltote Oder us. species, 

Oropendola : Istinope montezumse . 



Charas Cyraiocilta. 

Urraca CalocUtaformosa. 

Sanate t^uiscal us macr/o'tis. 

Resplandar jni.rivora ifexicana. 

■Raton Cotinga amabilis. 

Colibris or Gorriones Trodtilicla, 28 genera and 38 Bcecies 

Carpmteros Picidce, 13 species. 

Golondrinas Panipitila Sancti Ilieronymi 

Torobojos MomotkUi; 6 species 

Pescadores Alcedhudx, 5 species. 

Quetzal Pharomacros mncino 

Cuculiao Cuculus, 8 species. 

Cucharones Shamp/iastidie, 3 species 

Loros or Pericos Psittaciclic, 14 species. 

El Pangil crex (jlobiceres. 

Pavo de Cache Oreojjhasis derhyanus. 

PaTo del Peten Meleagris ocellata 

Perdices aud Codorniees Perdicidse, 1 species 

Palomas Colmnbidie, 7 species. 

Zancudos Grallatores. 

Garzas and Garzones Ardeidce, 19 species. 

'j " Platallidx. 

^^ " '••-. Ciconiadce. 

Ibidsc. 

Gallinetas Ballidic, T 

Gallaretas ParrUlic ' 

CoUarejos Charadridx \ -^^°ut 50 species. 

Becasiuas '. '. ". Scolopacidce, J 

Palmipedes. 

Alcatraces or Pelicanos / Pelecnnus fuscns. 

. , ^ ■ i " irachych. 

Ave horcado Trerjetta aquiln. 

Pato aguja i[y,-ieria Americana. 

^ , Anseves. 

Palomas mannas Colymhida. 



REPTILES. 

TORTUGAS. 

Chelonia:, 9 species. Chelonia Arjazizii. 

LAGAKTOS. 

Crocodilus moreleti. Crocodilus paciflcus. 

SAURIOS. 

GeckotiaihT, C species. Iguaniamc, 30 species. 
Iguana . 

^«"obo. Lacertianos, "1 

Cutete (Basiliscus vittatus). Calcidianos, ! „ 

Corvtophanus. Anfisbenianos, f" ^^any species. 

■^"''"®* Sciucoideanus, J 

OFIDIOS 6 CULEBEAS. 

Jiis^^Boideos. ^^— *-}^"S^r 

COLUEEIDOS. 

Culebras. Zumbadoras. Leptophis. Heterodon. 

NiLianeras. Calamana. Tropidoiiotus. Corales. 

Raneras. JKlaphis. Xedodou. 

VIPERIDOS. 

ViboKi castellana, Cnsca.\>el{C'rolalusfforridus). ^ ,., ) Atrov^t 

Crotahdos. TAamsoz {Botrops). Cantiles, jfachZiM. 

ANFIBIOS 6 BAIRACIOS. 

Ranas, 9 .species. Nifios, -) „ 

Sapos (£«/o« (da-), 5 species. Pie de nino I -Bolitoglossa. 

Tapclena (Sip/tonops mcxicaita). 'Sino dormido, f '"^""'"''"^'-'''^'^ 

Fishes. There are over three hundred different species 
of fishes; fourteen species were found in the lake of Peten, 

33 



three in the lake of Atitlan, seven in the lake of Amatitlan, 
thirteen in the Moitagua River, thirteen in the Usumacinta 
River and ten in the Rio Polochic. The most appreciated 
fishes are the 

Tepemecliiu Agnosionia microijs. Juilin 

Mojarra Heros. Bagreortante .. Aritis. 

Bobo Eleoiris dormitatrix. Peje Lepidostemus tropicus. 

Of Moluscs the following are edible: 

Helix Giesebrechtii Almejas Mi/tilus. 

Jutes Melanin. Ostras Ostrea. 

The insects are too numerous to be enumerated here. 

A great number of these anim.als here enumerated have 
economic value, such as the skins of deer and other mammals, 
the feathers of species of Ara, Trogon, Pteroglossus, Chrysotis, 
Rhamphastus, Pharomacrus, Ceryle, Hylomanes, Melanespes, 
Cotinga, Chirochiphia, Pipra, Milvulus, Yeterus, Xanthura, 
Agelseus phoenicerus, Cyanospiza, Tanagra, Chlorophanes, 
Euphonia, Calliste, Coereba, Pyranga, Rhamphocelus, Sialia, 
etc., the shells of carey {Testiido), the skins of a number of 
snakes and alligators, many fishes and moluscs, butterflies, 
etc. Also some living animals, such as parrots, small birds, 
monkeys, etc., are articles of commerce, although of slight 
importance. 



34 



V. 



POPULATION. 



Guatemala has 1,364,678 inhabitants, of whom more than 
two-thirds are pure Indians maintaining to a great extent their 
old customs. There are only 11,300 foreigners found in the 
entire Republic. 

There are twenty-two Departments, with ten large cities 
and twenty-two smaller ones and 304 townships. Over 1,000,- 
000 of the people live at an altitude of 3,000 feet above the 
sea, and in a moderate healthful climate. 

In the northern half of the Republic, covered mostly with 
humid forests, there are but two and a half inhabitants on a 
square kilometer; in the southern half, which is less humid 
and has a less exuberant vegetation, there are 25.6 inhabi- 
tants. In the highest regions (as Alta Verapaz, Quiche and 
Huehuetenango) the density of the population is 10.4 per sq. 
km. The dry regions of prairies and chaparrals, with a vege- 
tation of pines and oaks, have 30.1 inhabitants on the same 
area. Lower down, on the slopes of the volcanic chain, front- 
ing on the Pacific Ocean, 15 inhabitants are found on a sq. km. 
In the hot region the density of population is not much over 
0.4 of the same space. The average density for the entire re- 
public is 12.5 per sq. km. 

The density of population per sq. km. in each Department 
is as follows: 

35 



Totonicapan 95.6 

Sacutepequez 74 2 

Guatemala 70.6 

Amatitlan 48 7 

Quezaltenango 47.6 

Solohl 30.1 

San Marcos 27.7 

Chiquimula 27.4 



Chimaltenango 27.2 

Suchitepequez. 22.5 

Santa Rosa 16.5 

Eetalhuleu-. 16 5 

Baja Verapaz ]5 3 

Jutiapa 16.0 

Jalapa 15 9 



Huehuetenango 14.4 

Quiche 33.6 

Zacapa 12 7 

Escuintla 9.1 

Alta Verapaz 9 

Izabal l.O 

Peten. .. 0.2 



The population, separating- the mixed and white people 
(Ladinos) from pure Indians, in the different Departments is 
as follows: 



Guatemala ... 
Alta Vei'apaz. . . 
Quezaltenango. 

San Marcos 

Totonicapan.. . 
Huehuetenango 

Quichi? 

Solola 

Chiquimula . . 
Chimaltenango 
Baja Verapaz . . 



Ladinos. 


Indians. 


88,562 


58,125 


7,976 


120,249 


38,375 


86,865 


37,852 


85,740 


4,373 


105,262 


17,325 


83,585 


14,431 


77,002 


5,983 


60,535 


18,761 


46,664 


10,600 


54,655 


14,550 


43,039 



Name. 



Santa Rosa. ... 

Jutiapa 

Sacatepequez. . 
Suchitepequez 
Eetalhuleu. . . 

Zacapa , 

Jalapa 

Escuintla 

Amatitlan 

Izahal 

Peten , 



Ladinos Indians. 



7,703 
21,519 
16,271 
24,181 
21,842 
16,391 
17,042 
1H63 
10,700 
3,525 
3,443 



The total population in regard to age is composed as fol- 



lows: 



1 year 66,837 

1 to 6 years 203,910 

6 " 14 " 232,948 

14 " 18 " 123,852 

18 " 21 " 101,153 

21 " 80 " 223,725 



30 to 40 years 167,317 

40 "60 " 164,644 

60 "80 " 60,41)3 

80 " 90 " 14,899 

90 "100 " 4,094 

OverlOO " 893 



Of this population, 888,615 persons are single (450,196 
men, 438,419 women); 396,696 married (196,730 men, 199,- 
966 women); 79,367 widowed (30,546 men, 48,821 women). 

There are a few Chinamen and a number of Negroes, mu- 
lattoes and Zambos on the sea coasts, in La Libertad (Peten), 
Panzos (Alta Verapaz), Salama and San Jeronimo (Baja Vera- 
paz) and along the Rio de los Esclavos (Santa Rosa). 

Of the total population there are further, by nationality, 
1,303 Americans (mostly Jews from the West); 532 Spaniards; 
453 Italians; 399 Germans; 349 English; 272 French. 

By occupation, 327,594 persons are laborers; 46,054 
bakers of tortillas (maize-bread); 21,930 weavers; 13,034 mer- 
chants; 9,653 seamstresses; 7,759 servants and female cooks. 



36 



Again, 1,240,092 persons are illiterates; 827,058 are urban 
population; 1,356,105 are Catholics. 

The following lists give the names of the principal cities 
and municipalities and their population, as well as the altitude 
of each: 



Xame. 



Altitude above 



Guiiteinala 

Totouicapan .. . 
Qiiezaltenango . 

Coban 

Chiquimula . . , 

Jalapa 

Esouintla 

Salauul 

Antigua 

Amatitlan 



Populatiou. 


the sea in nietere. 


Department . 


64,000-72.000 


1,480 


Guatemala. 


33,000 


2,429 


Totonicapan. 


2i,000 


2.262 


Quezalteuango. 


2.3,IX"0 


1.234 


Alta Yerapaz . 


13,000 


356 


Chiquimula. 


13,000 


1.410 


Jalapa. 


13,000 


384 


Escuintla. 


11,000 


862 


BajaVerapaz. 


10,000 


1,361 


Sacatepequez. 


9,C03 


1,102 


Amatitlan. 



Other populous municipalities are: 



Xame. 



Zacapa 

Quiche 

Jutiapa 

Huehuetenango 

RetaUiuleu 

S0I0I4 

Mazatenango 

San Marcos 

Atitlan 

Chiehica stenango 

Comitancillo 

Cohabon 

.locotan 

Monostenango 

San Pedro Pinula 

Rabinal 

San Juan Sacatepequez . 
San Martin Islotepeque . 
Santa Lucia Utatlau ... 

San Miguel Petapa 

San Pedro Carcha 

San Cristobal. 

San Pedro Sacatepequez 

San Felipe 

San Juan Ostuncalro. . . 
San Francisco el Alto. . . 
Santa Maria Chiquimula 

Santa Rosa 

TacanA 

Tejutla 



Altitude above 



Populatiou. 


-•YlLlLUUC auuva 


Department. 




the sea in meters. 




12,000 


156 


Zacapa. 


13,000 


1,69 J 


Quiche. 


14,000 


868 


Jutiapa. 


10,000 


2,170 


Huehuetenango. 


10,000 


298 


RetaUiuleu. 


15,000 


1,811 


Solola. 


10,000 


224 


Suchitepequez. 


9,000 


2.200 


San Marcoa. 


10,000 


1,500-2,000 


Solold. 


22,000 


2,000-2,500 


Quiche. 


13,000 


2,000 


San Marcos. 


14,000 


253-500. 


Alta Yerapaz. 


12,000 


250-5'30 


Chiquimula. 


28,000 


, 2,000-2,-500 


Totonicapan. 


10,(X)0 


1,000-1,500 


Jalapa. 


13,000 


500-1.000 


Baja Yerapaz. 


19,000 


1.500-2,000 


Guatemala 


10.000 


1,500-2.000 


Chimaltenaugo. 


10,lX)0 


40O 


Escuintla. 


11,000 


1,000-1.500 


Amatitlan. 


3G.00O 


1.000-1,500 


Alta Yerapaz. 


11,000 


1,000-1,500 


Alta Yerapaz. 


14,000 


2,000-2,500 


San Marcos. 


11,000 


500-800 


Retalhuleu. 


15,000 


2,530-3,000 


Quezaltenango. 


22,000 


2,500-3000 


Totonicapan. 


11,000 


2,000 


Totonicapan. 


10,000 


1,000-1,.500 


Santa Rosa 


15,000 


2,000-2.500 


San Marcos. 


10.000 


2,000 


San Marcos. 



The population of Guatemala lives in 325 houses of two 
stories, 53,574 of one story, and on 171,604 ranchos. 

Public education: Elementary' tuition is given iu 
schools of the first and secondary grades. There are now 
about 1,309 schools. The average daily attendance in the 



Z7 



national schools was 32,958 boys and 19,330 girls, 3,232 adults 
and 1,860 of both sexes in the private schools, making a total 
of 57,386. In addition there were also thirteen kindergartens. 

In 1890 there were 1,252 schools throughout the Re- 
public, divided as follows: 462 country schools, 760 city 
schools and 30 private schools; or, classified in another way, 
691 for small boys, 369 for small girls, 48 mixed, 89 for work- 
men, 15 additional for small boys and 10 for small girls. 
These employ 1,531 teachers, 987 males and 544 females. 

There are several public institutes in which higher grades 
of instruction are given gratuitously.' There are two estab- 
lishments of this kind for girls in Guatemala and Quezalten- 
ango and three for young men, besides one in Chiquimula. 
In the Capital, as well as in Ouezaltenango, the Government 
has esablished special schools of law, medicine and pharmacy. 
It has also founded a school for engineers, a polytechnic 
college for those intending to follow a military career, a 
commercial school, an agricultural school, an Academy ol 
Fine Arts, a normal school for young women, another for 
young men incorporated with the Central Institute, and 
lastly a Conservatory of Music. 

In order to facilitate the education of the working classes 
night schools have been organized in several cities, and also 
public libraries opened, which are endowed by private dona- 
tions and by State appropriations. 

In the schools of arts and trades a general education is 
given in connection with their technical or special instruction. 

In the city of Guatemala there is a fine national library, 
in which, besides over 30,000 books, there are several valu- 
able collections of documents and inedited works. 

There is also a great number of newspapers in the Capital 
and other principal cities. 

Indians: As the Indian population is the most numerous, 
in the following pages some very interesting particulars are 
given. 

These aboriginal people are descendants of many tribes, 
which, at the time of the conquest, were found in the fol- 
lowing divisions : 

38 



1. States of the Pipiles, the Panatacatl, Cuzcatlan 
(Salvador), and the so-called Cacigazgos of the Pipiles, occu- 
pying the Departments of Escuintla and Jiitiapa, and the 
parts bordering Salvador. 

2. States of the Kingdom Quiche, divided into the king- 
doms of Quiche, of the Mames and of the Cakyac, and into 
the cacigazgos of the Cuchumatanes, of Uspantlan and of 
Tujal, occupying the present Departments of San Marcos, 
Retalhuleu, Quezaltenango, Suchitepequez, Totonicapan,. 
Quiche, Solola, Huehuetenango and Baja Verapaz. 

3. States of the Cakchiqjieles, divided into the king- 
doms of Iximche and Yampuk and into the cacigazgos of the 
Akahates 6 Pocomames, comprising the present Departments 
of Chimaltenango, Sacatepequez, Amatitlan, Guatemala and 
parts of Santa Rosa, Jalapa and Jutiapa. 

4. States of the Mayas, divided into Acalan, Mazatlan, 
(Ouiacho), Taiza and Mopan, and into the cacigazgos of the 
Lacandones, corresponding with Peten and some parts of 
Quiche and Alta Verapaz. ».= \ 

5. States of the Chorties, composed of the kingdoms 
of Copan and of Esquipulas, situated in the present Depart- 
ments of Zacapa, Chiquimula and in parts of Izabal. 

6. Independent cacigazgos of the Choles, found in Izabal 
and parts of Alta Verapaz. 

7. Indepeyident cacigazgos of Teznlutan, in Baja Verapaz. 

8. Independent Kingdoyn of the Tzidichiles, south of the 
ake of Atitlan in the present Department of Solola. 

9. hidepejident cacigazgos of the Xincas in the present 
Department of Santa Rosa and in part of Jutiapa. 

How slight the influence of the Spaniard and the Repub- 
lican governments of Guatemala has been in civilizing those 
Indians is shown by the fact that seventeen different languages 
are still spoken among them. 

These languages are: 

1. Oicekchi, spoken mostly in Verapaz, namely in Coban, 
Lanquin, Panzos, Cahabon, Chimaja, Rio Negro, Coyante, 
Golfo Dulce, etc. 

39 



2. Quiche^ spoken in Chicacao, Mazatenango, Retalhn- 
leu, San Felipe, Quezaltenang-o, Totonicapan, Santa Cruz de 
Quiche, Zacapulas, Rabinal and Saltan. 

3. Mam, spoken mostly in the Departments of San 
Marcos and Huehuetenango, in such places as Mercedes, San 
Pedro, San Marcos, Tejutlaj, Tuxtla chico, Teatitan, Chiantla 
and Todos Santos. 

4. Cakchiqjiel, mostly spoken in the Departments of 
Solola, Chimaltenango and Sacatepequez, in Patulul, An- 
tigua, MexicO' Viejo, San Jose, Eucuentros and Solola. 

5. Maya, spoken in the Department of Peten (in Floras, 
Santa Barbara, Dolores, San Toribio, San Juan, Chuntuque 
and islands). 

6. Pocomam, spoken in the Departments of Amatitlan, 
Sacatepequez and Guatemala (Amatitlan, Mixco, Chinantla, 
San Antonio, Canoas, Mixco Viejo and separately in Pinula • 
and Jilotepeque. 

7. Charti, spoken in Chiquimula, Ipala, Jocotan and 
Taquaimi in the Department of Chiquimula. 

8. Poconchi, spoken in the upper valley of the Polochic 
River, in Pancus, Tucuru, Tachic, San Cristobal and Chixay, 

9. Zutuhil, spoken from the southern shore of the lake 
of Atitlan to near Chicacao and Mazatenango in the Depart- 
ment of Solola. 

10. C/uij, spoken in the upper part of Huehuetenango, 
especially in Ameleo, San Mateo, Gracias and near Neuton. 

11. Xijica, spoken in the vicinity of Chiquimutilla, 
Alzatate, Jalapa, Yupiltepeque and Jumaitepeque in the De- 
partments of Santa Rosa and Jutiapa. 

12. Ixil, spoken in the Department of Quiche, around 
Cozal, Nebaj, Chajut and Horn. 

13. Jacalteca, spoken in Santa Kulalia, Soloma, San 
Juan, Jacaltenango and Camoha in the Department of Hue- 
huetenango. 

14. Aguacateca, spoken in Aguatan, Department of Hue- 
huetenango. 

40 



15. Uspantea, spoken around Uspantan, Department of 
Quiche. 

16. Caraibe, spoken around' Livingston on the Gulf of 
Honduras, Department of Izabal. 

17. Pipil, spoken in separate places in the Departments of 
Jutiapa, Zacapa and Baja Verapaz. 

The Spanish language is only generally spoken along the 
Pacific coast, in the city of Guatemala and in the direction of 
Salvador and Honduras, as well as in the valley of the Mo- 
tagua River. 

The clothing of the Indians varies as much as their \ 
languages. The principal raw materials for it are cotton, 
wool, silk, palm leaf and maguey fibre. They are now mostly 
cotton, Avool and silk yarns imported and woven by Indian 
women in their primitive looms. The greatest variety is seen 
in skirts, and this as well in raw material, and in dimensions, 
especially lengths, as in color and adornments. Particularly 
fine looking skirts for women, called Hnipilcs, are found in 
Totonicapan, Baja Verapaz, Alta Verapaz, Quiche and Chi- 
maltenango. Also in women's scarfs, called rebozos, a great 
variety of colors distinguishes one tribe from another. The 
wardrobe of an Indian is not much varied; a hat, a pair of 
sandals, trousers, a belt of wool, silk or cotton, called faja 
or handa, a shirt, and sometimes a jacket, compose his com- 
plete outfit. 

Often a change in the habits of the Indian illustrates the 
eagerness of statesmen to obtain a quick result in civilizing 
him, rather than any transformation of character. So far, 
the Indian sticks to his customary clothing and his own 
language, as no Government has ventured to incur the ill- 
will of the farmers and proprietors, who fear in a change of 
Indian habits a change in labor conditions, which might mean 
a serious embarrassment of their interest. 

The Indian lives generally in a hut of any form, made 
with wooden posts, bamboo or cornstalks, straw, or other 
material easily handled. Adobes or stones are seldom used, 
and when used it is mostly for a church or government build- 
ing, as in olden times, when temples and public buildings alone 
were built of durable material. 



41 



i speaking of older structures, Guatemala possesses several 
centres of important and interesting- architectural remains of 
ancient Indian civilization. The}^ are Tical (Peten) near the 
frontier of Yucatan, Quiche or Utitlan or Cumarcaah, near 
Santa Cruz de Quiche, Iximche, near Tecpan (Guatemala), in 
the Department of Chimaltenango, Santa Lucia and Cut- 
zumalguapa in the Department of Escuintla, where the cele- 
brated D. A. Bastian collected beautiful antiquities, Senaca 
Mecallo, near Comapa in the Department of Jutiapa, and 
Quirigua, southward of the port of Izabal, on the left hand 
shore of the Motagua River. 

Next to architectural works, some idols and all kinds of 
earthenware pottery have received the attention of the scien- 
tific world, especially specimens from Quiche, Alta and Baja 
Verapaz, Chimaltenango, Huehuetenango, Jalapa and Jutiapa. 
Antique pottery has also been found in the lake of Atitlan 
near the shore, and some large stone idols have been dis- 
covered on the slopes of the Volcan de Agua. 

Pottery still forms an important industry of the aborig- 
ines. The most celebrated earthenware comes from Totoni- 
capan, San Marcos, Quezaltenango and Chimaltenango. 

The principal industry of Guatemalan Indians is textile, 
to which should be added the manufacture of hats, baskets, 
ropes, nets, hammocks, sacks and all kinds of clothing. All 
these industries are, of course, dom.estic, and mostly in the 
hands of women, who alsO' are the sellers or merchants. 

Men cultivate the soil, planting maize, tobacco, beans, 
bananas, etc., and they work as ordered by the authorities. 

The Indians bear also' the burden of maintaining the 
roads as a personal tax. Since the conquest an annual tax 
of two pesos has been imposed on every man from eighteen 
years of age up, or four days' work in opening or repairing 
roads. 

Notwithstanding this tax, which has been collected for 
centuries, very few roads are in existence, and most of those 
which do exist are in a poor condition. 

The Indians also in many other ways are suffering the • 
adA^erse consequences of the Spanish colonial dominion. The 
practice of exploiting the mass of the people continues to this 

42 



dav. Very little has been done to raise the intellectual level 
of the Indians and to emancipate them from superstition and 
misery. Out of a population of 1,364,678 there are 1,240,092 
without any education. 

There is also an agricultural law which compels the In- 
dian to work in a way that amounts to practical slavery not 
unlike that of olden times. The laborer must obey the orders 
of the authorities; he cannot leave his place under any circum- 
stances until his work is done or his debts paid. Each one 
of them carries with him a book in which his debts are stated, 
and from it may be learned his obligation for future work. 
It is a common occurrence that these obligations are sold, 
which means the forced transfer of the working man from 
one place to another without any consideration for him. A 
sure consequence of such a system is the exclusion of free 
labor as understood in the United States. Under it wages 
are very low, and no foreigner will compete for them. Hence, 
immigration and colonization, with their resulting advantages, 
cannot be expected in Guatemala for many years to come. 



43 



VI. 



AGRICULTUSE AND LIVE STOCK. 



The larger part of the population in Guatemala is occu- 
pied with agriculture. The different agricultural products 
raised depend on the elevation of the lands above sea level and 
on- climatical conditions. Their distribution is clearly indi- 
cated in the table at the end of the chapter on Vegetation. 
Economically, the most important plant cultivated in Guate- 
mala is the coffee tree, and especially the coffea arabica. 

The crop of coffee in 1894 (the latest statistical data) was 
66,256,600 pounds, of which the 

Department of Guatemala, produced on 417,135 trees 144,200 pounds. 

" Sacatepequez, " 1,966,195 " 1,394,400 " 

" Chimaltenango, " 5,964,062 " 6,824,600 " 

" Amatitlan, " 3,406,807 " 2,112,100 " 

" Escuintla, " 4,116,242 " 4,464,500 " 

" Santa Rosa, " 5,430,325 " 3,116,500 " 

" Solold, " 4,946,459 " 4,930,800 " 

" Quezaltenango, " 14,012,007 " 14,849,300 " 

" Suchitepequez, " 4,949,128 " 7,762,600 " 

" ■ Retalhuleu, " 3,754,524 " 3,301,600 " 

" San Marcos, " 10,954,767 " 12,184,600 " 

" Hueliuetenango, " 72,888 " 111,100 " 

Quiche, " 422,567 " 4,200 " 

" Baja Verapaz, " 280,124 •' 239,400 " 

" Alta Verapaz, " 4,757,130 " 4,314,300 " 

" PetiJn, " 19,322 " 17,700 " 

" Izabal, " " 149,000 " 1,000 " 

" Zacapa, " 638,430 " 122,700 '' 

" Chiquimula, " 558,260 " 248,000 " 

" Jalapa, " 25,722 " 13,200 " 

" Jutiapa, " 172,834 " 97,100 " 

Total, 67,054,928 trees 66,156,500 pounds. 

The principal coffee regions are : 

In Quezaltenango: Colomba, Chuva and Palmar. 

44 



In San jMarcos: Tumbador, San Pablo, San Cristobal 
and Progreso. 

In Siichitepequez: San Francisco, Zapotitlan and San 
Antonio. 

In Cliimaltenang-o: Pochuta, San Pedro, Yepocapa and 
Acatenango. 

In Santa Rosa: San Jose de Barberena. 

In Retalhuleu : San Felipe. 

In Solola: Chicacao, Santa Barbara and Patiilul. 

In Escuintla : Escuintla and Santa Lucia Cotzumalguape. 

In Amatitlan: Amatitlan and San Miguel Petapa. 

In Alta Verapaz: San Pedro, Carcha and Coban. 

In Zacapa: Gualan. 

In Baja Verapaz: Purulha. 

Coffee grows best in the region of the volcanoes and in 
Mta Verapaz , with over 2,000 millimeters of rainfall per year, 
18° to 26° C, average temperature, and between 200 and 1,600 
meters in height above the sea level. 

The report of this product, which is nearly the only one 
going extensively abroad, has been, since 1873, as follows: 



3 


Pound'! Price per 100 Value in 


^ 


Pounds. 


Price per 100 


Value in 


>^ 


-■ lbs. in pesos. pesos. 


^ 




lbs. in pesos. 


pesos. 


1873 


15,056,000 






I884' 37,130,600 




4,445,667 


1874 


16,158,800 








1885; 52,031,800 




5,203,181 


1875 


16,357,000 








1886 52,975,100 


ii 


5,827,264 


1876 


20,740,000 








1887 47,869,100 


17 


8,137,478 


1877 


20,996,4IX) 








1888 36,639,800 


18 


6,595,181 


1878 


20,935,800 








1889 55,238,900 


23 


12,704,948 


1879 


25,201,600 






.... 


1890 50,859,900 


25 


12,714,981 


1880 


28,976,200 








1891 52,449,500 


25 


13,112,379 


1881 


26,037,200 






4,0e4,34S 


1892 49,164,200 


28 


13,765,983 


1882 


31,227, 100 






3,719,209 


1893' 59,840,300 


31 


18,550,515 


1883 


40,406,900 12 


4,848,837 


1 







The best prices are obtained for coffees produced in high 
regions. 

The next most important agricultural product is the 
banana. In 1894 there were 9,045 hectares planted with 
bananas, which produced 2,106,908 bunches. 



45 



Table of banana production for ten years, ending 1893: 



Tear. 


Production 


Value in 1 


Year. 
18S9 


Production 


Value in 


in bunches. 


pesos. 

1 


in bunches. 


pesos. 


]S83 


29,699 


11,^79 


110,222 


44,088 


1884 


31,645 




1880 


283,077 


113,230 


1885 


60,416 


30,208 . 1 


1891 


981,998 


392,799 


1886 


55,322 


27,661 j 


1892 


906,854 


389,741 


1887 


130,427 


65,213 


1893 


264,851 


178,113 


1888 


113,408 


56,704 









The principal banana production is in Santa Rosa (8i6,- 
958 bunches), Alta Verapaz (248,466 bunches), Izabal (199,- 
096 bunches), Solola (167,725 bunches), Suchitepequez (162,- 
186 bunches), Retalhuleu (92,330 bunches), Escuintla (81,630 
bunches), San Marcos (76,690 bunches), Ouezaltenango (74,- 
572 bunches), Amatitlan (72,962 bunches). 

The production of the sugar-mills in 1894 was' 6,555,250 
pounds of sugar, 10,881,000 cakes of panela, 923,900 pounds 
of molasses called "miel," and 3,537,100 pounds of the so- 
called "mascabado." 

The principal sugar regions are : 



Amatitlan 8,903 Hectares of cane. 

Escuintla 0,356 

Baja Verapaz 1 ,97ft 

Quich(S 1,364 

Quezaltenango . . . . 1,222 

San Marcos 1,054 

Huehuetenango.. . 983 



Suchitepi^quez 729 Hectares of cane 

Solola 683 

Alta Verapaz 678 

Chimaltenango 6 9 

Santa Rosa 428 

Retalhuleu... 424 



Nearly all of the sugar is consumed in Guatemala. The 
export of this product since 1879 has been as follows: 



Tear. Pounds. 


Year. 


Pounds, j 


Tear. 


Pounds. 


1879 ■ 134 000 


1884 3,79"),6J0 

1885 ' 6,312,900 

1886 i 7,614,300 

1887 


1889 


1,002,400 
1,052,400 


1880 410'600 


189J 


1881 15 600 


1S91 


1882 i 1374,700 


1892.. 




1883 '...\ 4,462,701 


1888 


4,411,800 


1893 


1,057,200 



As to Indian corn there were produced of it in 1894, 161,- 
412,475 pounds. The following varieties are cultivated: Maiz 
bianco, Maiz rojo, Maiz salpor, Maiz negro, Maiz Colorado, 



46 



Maiz amarillo, Maiz pinto and a few others. Indian corn is 
principally raised in Totonicapan (34,124 hectares), Chimalte- 
nango (11,843), Guatemala (9,986), Alta Verapaz (6,435), 
Solola (6,097), Quezaltenango (5,949), Santa Rosa (5,290), 
Sacatepequez (4,054), Jalapa (3,931), Zacapa (3,885), San 
Marcos (3,603), Hnehuetenango (3,543), and Amatitlan 

(3.035)- 

A very important product for the alimentation of the 
people is the bean. There are also of this plant a number of 
varieties, such as Frijol bianco, Frijol negro, Frijol cafe, 
Frijol amarillo, Frijol Colorado, Frijol pinto, Frijol piloy, Frijol 
aplomado, Frijol pilique, Frijol istapacal, Frijol espumita, etc. 

In 1894 there were produced about 6,536,200 pounds of 
beans. The principal bean producing Departments are Guate- 
mala (1,006 hectares), Chimaltenango (984), Solola (931), 
Amatitlan (573), Chiquimula (375), Alta Verapaz (366), Za- 
capa (359), Sacatepequez (354), Santa Rosa (265), Jalapa (260), 
Izabal (257). 

Tobacco is mostly produced in Chiquimula (9,983,700 
plants), Zacapa (2,214,000), Jalapa (1,585,000), Santa Rosa 
(792,000), Jutiapa (570,000), Quiche (538,000), Peten (244.- 
000). 

The total crop in 1894 was 1,474,068 pounds, and all this 
tobacco was consumed in the country itself. In 1896 only 
408 pesos Avorth of tobacco was exported. 

The production of cacao is still very limited. There were 
in 1894 1,672,940 cacao trees, which gave 417,173 pounds of 
beans. The principal cacao producing Departments are: 
Escuintla (607,876 trees), Suchitepequez (587,668), Solola 
(204,301), Retalhuleu (122,898). The export of cacao in 1896 
amounted to a valuation of only 8,661 pesos. 

Wheat is mostly cultivated in Ouezaltenaugo (3,808 
hectares), Suchitepequez (2,151), Chimaltenango (2,132), 
Totonicapan (1,420), San Marcos (943), Jalapa (250), and 
Huehuetenango (137). The total area is 10,965 hectares. 

Of barley only 397 hectares were cultivated, of which 119 
Avere in Chimaltenango, 86 in Sacatepequez, 78 in Guatemala, 
36 in Quezaltenango, 33 in Solola, and 31 in Amatitlan. 

Oats were mosth' planted in Quezaltenango (192 hec- 

47 



tares), San Marcos (115), and Totonicapan (iii). The total 
area was 432 hectares. 

Potatoes were cultivated in Totonicapan (530 hectares). 
San Marcos (235), Quezaltenango (166), Solola (54), Huehiie- 
tenango (48), Sacatepequez (40), etc. The total area devoted 
to this crop was 1,136 hectares. 

The production of other products, like rice, yucca (Maiii- 
hot), riame, sweet potatoes, indigo and garden plants, including 
vegetables, is very limited. Also, fruit trees are not very 
abundant, with exception of oranges, mango, jocote, aguacate, 
guayabo, and some others. 

Passing to the live-stock, there are about 163,381 horses 
and mules, 497,130 cattle and 490,176 sheep and goats distrib- 
uted all over the country, and they are mostly found in regions 
of savannas or in potreros, of which there are about 316,071 
hectares, namely 50,331 in the Department of Guatemala; 39,- 
850 in Santa Rosa; 38,407 in Huehuetenango; 29,898 in Es- 
cuintla; 24,248 in Alta Verapaz; 22,564 in Zacapa; 13,259 in 
Baja Verapaz; 12,515 in Amatitlan; 12,402 in C.hiquimula; 13,- 
183 in Solola; 11,126 in Jutiapa; 10,263 in Suchitepequez; 7,810 
in Sacatepequez; 6,704 in San Marcos; 6,645 i^ Jalapa; 5,843 in 
Quezaltenango; 5,404 in Quiche; 4,192 in Retalhuleu, etc. 
In 1896 cowhides valued at 3,360 pesos were exported to the 
United States. 

The salaries and wages paid in agriculture are as follows: 

Foremen 25 to ICO paper pesos per month. 

Laborers 20 to 75 centaTos paper money per day. 

Peons 50 centavos to 1 pesos paper money f er clay. 

Coachmen 20 to 60 peso paper money per month. 

Cooks 3C to 100 pesos paper money per month. 



48 



VII. 



MEANS OF COMMTJNICATION. 



A very important factor in the economic development of 
a country is its means of communication. Guatemala is also 
here deficient. 

The principal roads are called "caininos carreteros," more 
or less fitted for transportation by ox or mule carts. Such roads 
exist between Guatemala and Ouezaltenango, between Ouezal- 
tenango and San Marcos, between Ouezaltenango and Retal- 
huleu, between El Rodeo and Ocos, between El Rodeo and Ca- 
ballo bianco, between Retalhuleu and Mazatenango, between 
Escuintla and Santa Lucia, between Guatemala and San An- 
tonio, between Guatemala and Antigua, betw^een Antigua and 
Escuintla, between Guatemala and Cuajiniquilapa, between 
Cuajiniquilapa and JMataquescuintla, between Coban -and Pan- 
zos, between Chiquimula and Zacapa, between Zacapa and 
Gualan, between Guatemala and Jalapa, and between Guate- 
mala and San Jose. 

The only stage service in the country is between Guate- 
mala and Ouezaltenango and between Guatemala and An- 
tigua. 

During the rainy season the roads are in a wretched con- 
dition, and during the dry season little is done to them, not- 
withstanding that most of the exported and imported goods 
have to be moved on these roads. 

49 



The following table gives the distances between the prin- 
cipal points in Guatemala : 



Guatemala to 

Antigua 9 leagues. 

Chimaltenango 12 " 

Amatitlan 6 " 

Escuintla I4I/2 "' 

Cuajiniquilapa 14 " 

Sololii -30 " 

Totonicapan 37 " 

Quezalteiiango 40 " 

Mazateiiango 46 " 

Retalhuleu 51 " 

San Mftroos . . ^ 55 " 



Guatemala to 

Huehuetenango ,65 leagues 

Santa Cruz de Quich6 32 " 

SalamA 23 " 

Coban 42 " 

Flores 107 " 

Izabal 72 " 

Zacapa 42 " 

Chiqulmula 45 " 

Jalapa 25 " 

Jutiapa 29 " 



There are a number of' railroads built for the exportation 
of coffee and the importation of foreign goods, with a gauge of 
only three feet (915 mm.). Of these the most important is 
the Central or Southern Railroad, 74.5 miles long, between the 
port of San Jose (Pacific Ocean) and the capital of Guatemala. 
It belongs to an American company. From this line a branch 
runs from Obero 6 Naranja, thirteen miles from San Jose, to 
the port of Iztapa, near the mouth of the river of the same 
name. Another branch passes from Santa Maria (near Es- 
cuintla), twenty-eight miles from San Jose, to Santa Lucia 
and Patulul, traversing an important coffee and sugar country. 

The next most important railroad is called "Ferrocarril 
Occidental," and connects the port of Champerico (Pacific 
Ocean) with San Felipe. It is forty-one miles long, and was 
built by capitalists domiciled in the country. 

Perhaps not less important is the so-called 'Terrocarril 
del Norte," from Puerto Barrios (Atlantic Ocean) to the 
Rancho de San Augustin. It is 140 miles long, and was built 
by the national government with the intention of bringing it 
sevent3^-five miles farther, to the capital of Guatemala. It 
passes along the valley of the Motagua River, and opens a 
very rich zone for coffee and sugar production. 

Still another railroad has been built along the Polochic 
River, between Panzos and Tucurii, in order to bring coffee 
and other products from the Departments of Verapaz down 
to the port of Livingston. Finally, in course of construction 
is a railroad from the port .of Ocos (Pacific Ocean) inland in 



50 



the direction of San Marcos, also built with the purpose of fa- 
cilitating the transportation of coffee and of promoting in- 
creased production. 

Since these railroads were opened, transportation by ox 
or mule carts, or by packing on the backs of mules or Indians, 
has diminished considerably, although the cart roads are still 
full of Indians and beasts of burden, carrying wood, iron, min- 
erals, coffee, sugar, corn, beans, fruits, vegetables, earthen- 
ware, charcoal, hay, etc., to market. 

In another place the ports of San Jose, Champerico and 
Ocos, and the river port of Iztapa, all on the Pacific coast, have 
been mentioned, as well as the ports of Livingston, Puerto 
Barrios and Santo Tomas, on the gulf of Honduras; the port 
of Izabal, on Lake Izabal; and the river ports of Gualan on 
the Motagua, and Panzos on the Polochic Rivers, tributaries 
to the Atlantic Ocean. These are important factors of Guate- 
malan trade. 

In 1893 the maritime movement of Guatemala, as to pack- 
ages and weight, Avas as follows : 



Port of San Jos5, 398,817 pieces, or 78,828,000 pounds. 
■' Champerico 218,838 " 24,374,500 " 
" Ocos, ■ 31,467 " 4,114,300 " 

" Livingston, 103,080 " 9,101,000 " 



Total 752,202 • 116,418,000 

In 1896 there were 748,266 pieces, or 65,687,660 pounds. 

There entered and cleared in 1893 the following shipping: 
378 vessels carrying the American flag; 55 carrying the Ger- 
man; 47 carrying the English; 20 carrying the Norwegian. 

The steamship /z;ji?j- which regularl}^ visit the Pacific ports, 
of which each one has an iron pier, are the Pacific Mail, an 
American line plying between Panama and San Francisco, 
and the Kosmos and Kirsten lines, both German. These three 
lines receive a subvention from the Government. 

The steamers of the Pacific Mail have the following itin- 
erary : 

The steamer which sails from Panama on the 9th of each 
month arrives at San Jose on the 15th, at Champerico on the 
1 6th, at Ocos on the 17th. 

51 



The steamer which sails from Panama on the 19th arrives 
at San Jose on the 28th, and at Champerico on the 29th. 

The steamer which sails from Panama on the 28th or 29th 
arrives at San Jose on the 4th or 5th, and at Champerico on the 
5th or 6th. 

The coast steamer which sails from Panama on the loth 
of each month arrives at San Jose on the 20th, at ChampericO' 
on the 2ist. 

The coast steamer which sails from Panama on the 3otb 
arrives at San Jose on the 12th, at Champerico on the 13th, 
and at Ocos on the 14th. 

The same steamers sail from San Francisco (California) 
on the 8th, i8th and 29th. 

The first arrives at Ocos on the 19th, at Champerico on 
the 2ist, and at San Jose on the 24th. 

The second arrives at Champerico on the 2d, and at San 
Jose on the 5th. 

The third arrives at Champerico on the loth, and at San 
Jose on the 15th. 

The Kosmos and Kirsten lines take about fifty days in 
coming from Hamburg via the Strait of Magellan, but they 
have no fixed itinerary. In the same condition are the steam- 
ers which visit Puerto Barrios, Santo Tomas and Livingston. 

These ports on the Atlantic coast are visited by a number 
of steamers which go to New Orleans, New York and Europe 
from Belize, Livingston and Puerto Barrios and the north 
coast of Honduras. A number of sailing vessels, from eight 
to twelve, are running on the same routes, but without fixed 
itineraries. 

As to other means of communication, Guatemala is also 
connected by cables and telegraphs with the civilized world. 
In 1893 there were 3,886 km. (2,430 miles) of telegraph lines, 
with 139 offices, which together dispatched 702,433 telegrams. 
The postal service maintained 176 ofifices, which distributed 
4,379,654 letters and sent out 5,150,926. 



52 



VIII. 



FINANCE, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY. 



The commercial world of Guatemala is seriously de- 
pressed by existing economic and financial as well as political 
disturbances. Besides the considerable fall in the value of 
silver, the "curso forzoso" of the paper money, the deficiency 
in the last coffee crop, and the low price paid for it, there 
were also the last revolution with its ruinous consequences, 
the recent Central American Exposition with special allow- 
ances for free importation, and an unreasonable financial 
policy of the late President which heavily embarrassed the 
country and impaired the welfare of the nation, to make the 
situation appalling. 

Large coffee and sugar planters have exhausted their 
credit abroad and many merchants have been obliged to sus- 
pend payment. There is besides superabundance in many 
imported products, with the exception of articles of daily and 
general use, such as fiour and nutrient farm produce, tobacco, 
etc. Drafts for foreign exchange have a very high premium, 
and many merchants ceased long ago to send drafts to Europe 
or to the United States, waiting for better times. 

Taking up the finances and revenues of Guatemala, the 
treasury derives its income from the following sources: taxes 
on liquors and duties on imports and exports, stamped paper 
and revenue stamps, taxes on real estate and on roads, charges 
for exemption from military service, taxes on live stock, flour, 

53 



salt, inheritances, sales and donations of immovable property,, 
fines and confiscations, sale of vacant lands, revenues from 
pawn shops and from post and telegraph service. 

The headquarters of the custom-house service received in 
1896 

4,498,838.C4 pesos import duties from Guatemala City. 
1,783,885 25 " " " " Retalhuleu. 

19,53720 " " " " Champerico. 

566,628 13 " " " " LiTingston. 

112,662.76 " ■' " " Ocos. 

45,070 43 " " " " Overland Places. 



Total 7,026,621 81 pesos. 

There are also some export duties, as on coffee, so that 
the total amount of customs receipts in 1896 was 8,984,417.51 
pesos. 

In 1896, besides the custom dues of 8,984,41 7.51 peeos 

There were dues on liquor aad victuallers' licenses to the amount of 3,788,245.37 " 

Various taxes, to the amount of 2,069,017.75 " 

Telegraph service, to the amount of 211,875.49 " 

Postal gervice, to the amount of 97,185 32 " 

Total 15,150,741.44 pesos. 

The expenditure was calculated at 17,437,452.93 pesos. 
The external debt in the same year was: 

4 per cent, external consolidated £1,549,940 

Muller & Thomson's loan 459,875 

Total £2,0C9,815 

The internal debt was as follows: 



Treasury notes in circulation 35,736.00 pesos. 

Bonds and fractions of loan 1,466,339.88 

Exhibition bonds 904,000.00 

Guatemala Bank 300,000.00 

Corporations and Companies 364,553.45 

Deposits 112,964.14 

Floating debt 541,452.5 ^ 

Bills payable 1 ,121,964.09 ■ • 

Salaries and expenses 2,472,945 55 " 

Total , , 7,319,955.66 pesos. 

There were also national assets to the amount of 7,866,- 
737.07 pesos. 

The value of the entire property of Guatemala was esti- 
mated not to be over 11,853,085 pesos. 

54 



Against this crushing line of figures the following list is 
given of the importations and exportations in pesos -since 1851, 
which has a more favorable aspect: 



Year. 


Importation. 


Exportation. 


1 

Year. 


Importation . 


Exportation. 


1851 


1,403,884 


1,404,000 1 


1873 


1,191,830 


2,304',265 


1852 


1,58 1,207 


t'68,550 1 


1874 


3,054,004 


2,300,621 


1853 


976,943 


599,047 


1875 


2,585,738 


3,V17,344 


]854 


873,831 


2,033,300 


1876 


2,716,704 


3,767,471 


1855 


826,480 


1,282,891 


1877 


3,133,871 


3.773,188 


1856 


1,206,210 


1,706,973 


1878 


3,238,487 


3,918,912 


1857 


1,065,816 


1,605,389 


1879 


2,929,464 


4,605,633 


1858 


1,135,517 


2,024,560 


1880 


3,035,536 


4.425,336 


1859 


1,223,770 


1,766,920 


18M 


3,604,674 


4,084,3-IS 


1860 


1,520,050 


2,024,560 


1882 


2,652,042 


3,719,209 


1861 


1,495,191 


1,106,583 


1883 


2,030,893 


5,718,341 


1862 


1,093,040 


1,368,15) ; 


1884 


3,829,650 


4,937,941 


1863 


745,042 


1,498,311 ' 


1885 


3,103,277 


6 009,645 


1864 


1,414,904 


1,562,916 


1886 


3,537,399 


6,719,502 


1865 


1,649,712 


1,833,325 


1887 


4,241,407 


9,039.391 


1866 


1,699,115 


1,680,341 


1888 


5,459,568 


7,239.977 


1867 


1,574,587 


1.919,650 


1889 


7,586,661 


13,247,659 


1S68 


1,664,843 


2,188,197 


1890 


7,639,833 


14,401,534 


1,'69 


•1,753.102 


2,291,052 , 


lt-91 


7,806,730 


14,175,392 


1S70 


1,374,897 


2,014,782 ' 


1892 


6,010,233 


14,869,324 


1871 


2,403,503 


2,657,715 i 


1893 


6,383,834 


20,3z7,077 


1872 


2,269,214 


2,704,068 









The value of the imports is that estimated by the manu- 
facturers, and the value of the exports is calculated at the 
ports, and includes transportation to them. 

Continuing the information concerning the foreign com- 
merce of Guatemala, these tables are given : 

Exportations to the United States of America in 1896 were 
as follows: 



Coffee, 




.... 11,962.167 pounds. 


Deer skins, valued at 


1,219 pesoe 


Bananas, 


valued at 6'J,361 pesos. 


Living plants, '• 


30 " 


Minerals, 




40 " 


Zarzaparilla, " 


110 " 


Corozo, 




250 pescs. 


Black beans, " 


4 " 


Cowliides. 




.33,602 " 


Tobacco, " 


408 " 


India rubber. 




25;025 " 


Sundries, '• 


910 " 


Lumber. 




83 '^ 


Hardware, " 


240 " 


Coined silver 




382,200 " 







At the same time there were exported to Germany, coffee 
amounting to 46,268,078 pounds; cowhides valued at 28,682 
pesos; Indian rubber valued at 8,822 pesos; deer skins valued 
at 6,896 pesos; sundries valued at 1,310 pesos. 

To England: Coffee amounting to 10,332,847 pounds; 
Indian rubber valued at 15,488 pesos; sundries valued at 435 
pesos. 



55 



To France: Coffee, amounting tO' 1,585,563 pounds; 
coined silver valued at 22,000 pesos. 

Other products for export are cinchona bark, of which, 
in 1893, there was sold a valuation of 3,740 pesos, and 
the rubber, called "hule" or "cauchu," of which, in 1893, a valu- 
ation of 38,898 pesos was sent abroad. 

The production of rubber since i860 has been as follows : 



Year. 


No. pounds. 


j Year. 


No. pounds. 


Year. 


No. pounds. 


1860 


221,630 


'■ 1873 


390,200 


1886 


282,400 


1861 


292,500 


1874 


42,300 


1887 


323,400 


3862 


139,900 


i 1879 


1,800 


1888 


221,100 


1863 


278,500 


1880 


25,900 


1889 


169,700 


1864 


303,900 


1881 


188,100 


1890- 


143,000 


1870 


278,500 


1882 


345,900 


1891 


142,200 


1871 


214,000 


1888 


345,400 


1893 


317,300 


1872 


327,100 


j 1885 


229,700 







Besides rubber, only the following forest products, mahog- 
any, cedarwood, mora, campeche, brazilwood and some zarza- 
parilla and corozo (oilseeds) are exported. 

The United States of America exported to Guatemala in 
the same year: 



Oils 

Spirits , 

Barbed wire 

Cotton yarns 

Sundry articles 

Bicycles ■ 

Shoe material , 

Cinnamon and spices 

Carts 

Carriages 

Barley 

Beer 

Preserves 

Cement 

Copper ware 

Drugs and medicine. 

Buildings 

Cattle, horses, mules 

Flour 

Iron ware 

Iron in bars 

Wool 



31,976.40 
69,135. 6U 
28,960.00 
364,219.35 
76,106.45 
32,146.90 
8,916.75 
19,126.30 
14,138 60 
24,872.40 
19,496.65 
37,272.30 
82,430.60 
15,462.40 
34,881.10 
92,184.50 
58,110.60 
45,960.00 
476,908.40 
139,140.80 
21,360.40 
18,916.20 



Carved wood 

Lumber and building material 

Machinery 

Material fur railways and tele- 
graphs 

Furniture 

Lard 

Manufactures of leather and 
fur 

Other articles 

Stationery 

Potatoes and Indian corn.. 

Petroleum 

Silk 

Hats 

Grease 

Roofing 

Wheat 

Tea 

Wines and liquors 



Total exports 3,172,896.05 



24,120.60 

372,180.40 

61,120.60 

349,610.65 
29,460.40 
21,240.60 

30,110.45 
51,034.10 
25,106.70 
56,114.10 
47,102.40 
68,106.40 
14,260.20 
18,140.80 
19,020.40 
41,960.20 
19,105.20 
46,120.80 



56 



The imports from France amounted in the same year to 
1,196,849.40 pesos, as follows: - 



Spirits, brandy, etc 130,240.50 pesos. 

Cotton (yarns, etc. ) 123,S64.5(r " 

?unclry article.? .. .. 7.!, 601.45 ' 

Preserves 32,145.20 " 

Glass and chinawarc 14,176.2) " 

Chopper wares 23,63").40 " 

Drugs and medicine 3(5,205.40 " 

Jewelry 31,28460 " 

Wool (yarns, cloth, clothing, etc. ). ; 210,160.20 " 

Linen ]4,210.<10 '• 

Machinery 12,918.60 " 

Manufactures of leather ... 12,690.411 " 

Stationery 56,104.60 " 

Pianos, organ.i, etc 21,11640 " 

Silks (yarns, cloth, ribbons, etc.) 89,746.20 " 

Hats 2!l,3106l) " 

AVine and liquors 112,190,20 " 



The imports from 



Italy . . amounted to 

SpaiQ " " 

Belgium. .... " " 

South America " " 

Mexico " " 

Austria .... " " 

Japan " '■ 

China " " 

Switzerland " " 

Central America ... " " 

The NetlierJands " " 



167,762.30 pesos. 
142,738.55 ' 

57,017.35 

50,078.90 

46,081.75 

35,575 35 

35,072.60 

21,249 60 

18,023.60 

13,953.95 
9,295 45 



The imports from the United Kingdom were valued 
2,164,490.60 pesos, as follows: 



Cotton yarns and cloth 1,286,840.50 

Sundry articles 41,410.50 

Drugs and uu'dicini.s 17,182.40 

Iron wares 98,134.60 

Woolen yarns and clothing 181,112.70 

Linen (stockings, yarns, clotli, etc.i 18,416.31) 

Tobacco and cigars 12,125 60 

Koofing sheets 86,140.50 

Machinery 26,140 80 

Railways, tclcgr.aphs, electric lights, machinery . . . 172,380 60 

Leathers and furs 16,806.40 

Sacks or bags 18,145 30 

Silks, yarns, clothin?, etc 34,105.70 



The imports from Germany to Guatemala amounted to 
2,012,269.40 pesos, as follows: 



Spirits 16,954.20 pesos. 

Barbed wire 18,976.40 " 

Cotton yarns, etc 416,845.10 " 

Sundry articles 73,401.65 ' ' 

Beer 51,284.80 " 

Preserves 43,208.10 " 

Glassware, cliinaware 58,136.80 ' ' 

Coals 27,146.10 " 

Drugs and medicines 34,106.50 " 

Stearine 23,002.10 " 

Matches 45,180.60 " 

Ironware : 116,908.40 " 

Iron in bars 22,214.10 " 

Jewelry 23,190.40 " 

Wool (yarns, cloth, clothing) 186,810.46 " 

Linen 18,460.80 " 

Roofing sheets 51,230.20 " 

Timber and roofing materials 31,180.40 " 

Materials for railways, telegraphs 163,960.40 " 

Furniture 24,295.20 '■ 

Manufactures of leathers and furs 34,215.60 " 

Other articles 152,101.70 " 

Stationery 59,107.30 " 

Pianos 15,120.50 " 

Sacks 25,194.50 " 

Silk (yarns, etc.) 32,104 40 " 

Hats 23,910.60 " 

Boofs 18,945.20 " 

Wines and liquors 23,160.80 ' ' 



The history of commerce in Guatemala is very simple. 

During the first years of the present century, toward the 
end of the Spanish domination, after many restrictions to trade 
had been removed and Central America- had obtained leave to 
traffic direct with Mexico and other Spanish-American colo- 
nies, there were only thirty or thirty-five mercantile houses 
throughout Central America. Merchandise to the value of 
$1,000,000 was yearly imported from Spain through the Bay 
of Honduras. The returns were chiefly indigo, coin and bul- 
lion. There was some trade also with Peru and Cuba, and at 
the same time smuggling was carried on quite freely and 
largely through Belize and Cura<;ao on the Atlantic coast, and 
by foreign whalers on the Pacific coast. 

After the separation from Spain there was, as Herbert 
Howe Bancroft says, little commerce for many years, until the 
construction of the railway across the Isthmus and the estab- 
lishment of a line of steamers making periodical visits to the 
several Central American ports on the Pacific coast afforded 
facilities for the development of both agriculture and foreign 
trade. Up to that time the several republics had established 
regular fairs, and subsequently they added to their number. 
These were attended by persons wishing to purchase national 

58 



or foreign products and manufactures. In Guatemala annual 
fairs were held in Esquipulas, where large quantities of mer- 
chandise were sold; in Rabinal, in Verapaz, of dry goods; in 
Mazatenango, of dry goods, cacao, cattle, etc.; in San Pedro 
Ayampue, in Solola, of dry goods, fruit and stock; in Ouezalte- 
nango and Chimaltenango, of Avoolen manufactures; also in 
the capital of Guatemala, in Salcaja, Santa Cruz del Quiche, 
Jalapa, Santa Rosa and San Pedro Pinula. In regard to the 
development of the commerce of Guatemala since 1851, we 
refer to the above copied lists of importations and exporta- 
tions from 185 1 to 1893. In order to understand the slow 
development of Guatemala, it should be mentioned that until 
the railroads were built the country was, to all intents and 
purposes, insular, and reached only by sea. The business cen- 
ters, being all in the interior, were accessible only by difficult 
roads and horse paths. Her people lived mainly by them.- 
selves, and cared httle for the outside world, and the outside 
world cared little for them. 

This situation was much changed with the production of 
coffee as an article of export, and it can be said that all mod- 
ern improvements and the present civilization are mostly due 
to coffee. With the accumulation of more wealth the standard 
of life was raised, and commerce rapidly increased. 



Ill 1877 the first bank, the Banco luternacional, was established with a 

capital of 1,400,000 pesos. 

And alter that the Banco Colombiano with a capital of 1 ,684,000 " 

The Banco de Occidente with a capital of 1,800,000 " 

The Banco de Guatemala with a capital of l,50o',000 '' 

The Banco Agricola llipotecario with a capital of iioOO.OOO ' ' 

And the Banco Americano With a capital of 600,000 " 



Credit is still dear in Guatemala, lo to 12 per cent, inter- 
est being demanded; and it is generally alleged that the banks 
are not liberal in extending credits. Business is usually done 
on long credits. The merchants in the larger cities, with a 
capital of from 20,000 to 100,000 pesos, get usually a six, nine 
and twelve months' credit from European exporters, while the 
merchants of the interior, with a capital of from 4,000 to 12,- 
000 pesos, and who generally handle the cheaper articles of all 
kinds, in accordance with the wealth of their customers, chieflv 

59 



Indian agriculturists and laborers, get from the wholesale 
dealers in the larger cities a six to nine months' credit, paying 
an interest of from 7 to lo per cent. As may be inferred, 
most of the merchants deal in general merchandise, and the 
articles chiefly purchased are canned goods, cheaper grades of 
clothing and dress goods, dry goods, hardware, crockery, 
glassware, farming implements, household .and decorative fur- 
niture, kitchen utensils and household' articles, boots and 
shoes, hats, carpets, stationery, flour, butter, lard, etc., machin- 
ery for coffee cleaning, sugar making, mining, sawmills; also 
pumps, etc. 

The larg'er houses are generally good and reliable. Many 
business hovises are also proprietors of coffee plantations, and 
it happens that most of the imported merchandise is paid for 
with it. The commerce in coffee is mostly in the hands of 
Germans or German-Americans, who have also invested a great 
deal of their capital in coffee and sugar plantations. Besides 
German and American houses there are a number of Spanish, 
ItaHan, French and native houses all through the country. 

Industries. The industries of Guatemala are still in their 
infancy. The principal ones are sugar factories, distilleries 
and establishments for cleaning and preparing coft'ee; then 
follow the industries mentioned in connection with the Indians, 
such as the weaving of maata (cotton cloth), of jerga (a coarse 
woolen stuff), cashmere, silk and cotton scarfs, huipiles, hats, 
ropes and cordage, pottery, baskets, artificial flowers, wax 
fruits, cigars, shoes, furniture, musical instruments, etc. 

There is probably a profitable field for the establishment 
of all kinds of factories, which undoubtedly would be encour- 
aged by the government. In order to get a concession or 
privilege for any enterprise, apphcations must be made to the 
government, and a contract to that effect signed by the appli- 
cant and the Minister of Fomento. In certain cases the ap- 
proval of the President of the Repubhc is sufficient for their 
validity, while some contracts, like railroad concessions, must 
be submitted for the sanction of the legislative assembly. 



60 



IX. 



HISTOBICAL SKETCH AND POLITICAL ORaANIZATION. 



Spain governed Central xA.merica by the Audiencia Real 
for about three centuries. There were several attempts at re- 
sistance and formal protests against her tyranny as early as 
1811, but it was not until 1821 that the representative of Spain, 
Gavino Gainza, surrendered his authority, when, on the 15th of 
September, independence was proclaimed. Soon after Mexico 
made an attempt to annex Central America to the ephemeral 
empire of Iturbide, but that domination was never acccepted. 
After that and up to the present a series of attempts have been 
made to confederate the Central American countries. In 1824 
a federal constitution establishing the Repubhc of Central 
America was proclaimed. The union lasted until 1839, when 
it was dissolved, notwithstanding the strenuous efforts of 
numerous patriots headed by General Morazan. 

Guatemala became, on the 17th of April, 1839, ^1^ inde- 
pendent republic, principally through the efforts of Rafael 
Carrera, who was proclaimed dictator on the 19th of March, 
1840, elected President on the nth of December, 1844, and 
President for life on the 21st of October, 1854. He governed 
the country in a successful manner until his death, which 
occurred on the 14th of April, 1865. After him General 
Vicente Cerha was elected President, and followed the policy 
of Carrera. He was overthrown in 1871 by the Liberal party, 
led by General Miguel Garcia Granados. 

61 



In 1873 he was succeeded by General J. Rufino Barrios, 
whose administration was very successful. He was killed in 
1885 at the battle of Chalchuapa while attempting to establish 
by force a Central American union. From 1886 to 1892 
General M. L. Barillas was President, followed by General J. 
M. Reyna Barrios who, after bringing his country into a heavy 
financial and economic as well as political crisis, fell at the 
hands of a murderer, on February 8th, 1898. The actual pro- 
visional President is the Licenciate, M. E. Cabrera. 

Political organization. Guatemala is governed by a 
constitution sanctioned by the Constituent Assembly of 1879 
and amended in 1885. Personal liberty is guaranteed by this 
code to the fullest extent, and no restrictions of any kind are 
placed upon the exercise of freedom of conscience and opinion. 
Public authorities are chosen by universal suffrage. Instruc- 
tion at the public schools is free, and attendance upon them is 
compulsory. Military service is likewise obligatory, but ex- 
emption from it may be obtained only by paying a certain 
amount of money. 

Foreigners are not obliged to pay any special imposts, or 
forced loans, nor are they liable to military service or accept- 
ance of public employment. Civil nuarriage is established in 
the country, and public registries of property, births and deaths 
and of the social state of persons are kept by public function- 
aries. 

The legislative, executive and judicial jurisdictions con- 
stitute the government of the country. The legislative power 
is vested in a House or Assembly, renewed every two years 
by halves. This Assembly appoints its own President, Vice- 
President and Secretaries. It meets on the ist of March and 
its sessions last two months, but they may be extended for 
another thirty days. Congress ma-/ also be summoned to extra 
sessions, whenever urgent public business. requires it. 

Executive power is vested in a President who is elected 
directly by the people. His term of office runs for six years, 
and he is not eligible to succeed himself. He is assisted by 
the secretaries of six departments, who in some cases have 
a consolidated responsibility. These Secretaries are in charge 
of the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Interior Affairs and 

62 



Justice. Public Works, War, the Treasury, and Public Instruc- 
tion. 

The Judiciar}' is composed of a Chief-Justice and a Su- 
preme Court, three Appellate Courts in the Capital, one in 
Quezaltenango and another in Jalapa, each one having- its 
own Attorney-General. There are five courts of the first 
instance in Guatemala, three in Quezaltenango, two in San 
Marcos and one in each of the remaining nineteen Depart- 
ments. In each municipality there is a Justice of the Peace. 

The Council of State is an auxiliary body, for the advice 
of which the Government may call. It is formed of nine mem- 
bers, of five elected by the Assembly, and of four appointed 
by the Executive. 

The Assembly appoints a permanent commission, which 
attends to all matters prescribed by the law, when the Assem- 
bly is not in session. 

Each municipal territory established by law is adminis- 
tered by a council or corporation. 

The government of each Department is exercised by a 
political chief, who is at the same time the comm.ander of the 
local forces. 

After the Liberal successes of 1871 the old codes were 
displaced by others more in accordance with the requirements 
of modern .times. The code of civil and criminal procedure, 
and also the fiscal, military and commercial codes have been 
sanctioned and promulgated. 

A police force was established years ago in Guatemala, 
Quezaltenango, Chiquimxula, La Antigua, Jalapa, Amatitlan, 
Totonicapan and Retalhuleu. It is also intended to establish 
a force of rural guards for the highways. 

The army is composed of about 500 commanding olifi- 
cers, 3,263 officers and 53.903 men. 



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CENTKAL AMERICA. 

COSTA RICA.— Provinces, Lakes, Mount aixis, Rivers, and Towns. 



Provinces* j/ou^wi-w- 

Pop. BiirlMi, «--;^ 






Towns. 



Mountains. Rivers. 

Atiur.to, Q.K. Amulllo, r-51. 



Onapll... Q-35. 
Hfcr™u,,U-l» 



M ,[. '^, 



GUATEMALA. — Department^ Lakes, Mountains, Rivers, and Towns. 

Departments. mnn- 



mSSU; 



Lakes. 


" ^ Towns. 


Acquloc, C-10. 


AToiepeqai.', U-il 


Ayarza, H-IO. 
IU«, C-3. 

San Pedro'. C-8. 


ff':'::if'' ■■■ 


Tipu, B-U 

Mountains. 


aSS£m;: :::;::: 


1 Sierra deCbam.T.F-9. 


SSmo'v 


[ Rivers. 


BobM^-e.".'.'-"!.'.'-'-.'.': 






HOIsTDURAS. — Departments, Creeks, Lakes and Lagoons, Moxrntains, Rivers, and Towns. 

Departments. Jtouiitains^ainnnwa. Ilieir^-<:<t'>lii,i,tiJ. Towns— eonlinuea. Pop. Tov3M-ion(inM€d. Pop. Towiui-contlniitd. Pop. TmDiii-conlinved. Pop. Towm—conanm<L Pop. Toirti^-cm.lui 



Creeks. 



Rivers. 



c*«oi 1-1= ■ 



Lakes and La- SbSS.qli'i^jl'-fs."' Towns. 

„ ...?°°"^' CofoiUS^'Q-lV ■ Aclte™, I-,5 

Bma, F.30.^ Congrehoy, F-16. AeoaBloiichu Il.|:i.. . 



NICARAGUA. — Depart^ments, Creeks, Lakes, Mountains, Rivers, and Towns. 

Departments. Mm,xiai,a-€onKmie(l. Bim-cmitmmd. TownS. Ttmm^oMnmd. Pop. Tomux-conlmitd. Pop. Toxma-cmtinutd. Pop. I-OToa.-o.nKni.eJ. Pop. 



^logla, I-2I. Anistoga, I^ 

Lakes. S'lif; 









Puntallorda, N-2 
Qmmjmtlii,^K-|a 



Mountains. 

Corcovnda. 1^16. 






SALVADOR. — Depai-tmentos, Lakes, Rivers, and Towns. 



Departments. 




Lakes. 





Towns. 


To 


...,>-«o.,li.... 


d. Pop 


3-0,0..,-. ..,,■ 






,.„o,.,.-, 




€ii 


(.".lucd. Pop. 


J..,o 


ns-oon(i..»«'. 


POP. 


rotoiio— eonKnued. 


Pop. 


Abaachnpam. J-Io. 


Goija, 


■Sii'ls'ii 


.U.,J 


„..J.,0 


..''°''- §1 


of.y-\o':".v 




ciSiS I'i 




■'i''i""° 


'3i,;j:'=: 




.'i'.;;:;:::: 


|;i 


an'Topusofflo. J 


::iiooo 


SuchHolo, .T-12 

TaguUapa, l-U.'.'.'....'. 




CuseaUaii. J.fa. 










-.6000 Cann 




























lS pSS/'"' 




Rivers. 


a'o'« 


,';;,;!,•';„ 


Cm 


rjis'"" 




FrecSS. li' 


:, 




"'riuj'ii.i 




s«°;o"j:.'r" 




iSi! 


i;.*?'/io'-."'.-. 


..9000 


Tecojali. K.13 




BoSin°'j5il"' 


cS 


,^,'i;:,'i 


aS 


°',iS,;''.!'io" 


S"^ 


ra.K.ia. .. 




i)°tS"r'i." ■'"' 




La'do 


™,'k-'w' 


■.■.■.■■:::sM 


1" ;"o 'o°iii 


wo'::;.;: 


IS 


K,,'"'.?-!!.-. 




%..}. '.,} J 11 











(an AntoDio WowilinQt, 



BRITISH HONDURAS.— Creeks, Lakes a,nd Lagoons, Mountains, Rivers, and Towns. 



Creeks. Lakes and La- 

'd°1' goons. 



Mountains. Ri'vers. 

wky°Kl.'.l,AJ». liooEJi, i.ii . 



ibflsoRkl'gc.B-Vi".;;;! ^^^'^^^i^^'Alit'-'..'.:: Townfji-ia.'!*.': 



.BJanS 



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